WNJV.  OF  CALIF.  LIBRARY,  LOS  ANGELES 


'Margaret.1 


Owl  Tower 


The  Story  of  a  Family  Feud 
in  Old  England 

By 
CHARLES   S.   COOM 

Illustrations  by 
WILLIAM  KIRKPATRICK 


1906 

The  C  M.  Clark  Publishing  Co. 
Boston 


Copyright,   1906. 
THE  C.  M.  CLARK  PUBLISHING  CO., 

Boston,   Mass. 


Entered  at 
Stationer's  Hall,  London. 

Dramatic  and  all  other 

RIGHTI   RESERVED. 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

Margaret,  Frontispiece 

Page 

"When  they  arrived  at  the  detached  portion  of  the  steps 

Robert  held  up  his  arms  to  her"            .          .          .  41 

"Aw  !  I  feel  privileged,  Miss  Trevisick"      ...  82 

"Who  intrusted  you  with  this  ?"         .          .          .          .  133 

"At  sight  of  Lillipopo  the  Zulu  threw  himself  on  the 

floor  of  the  veranda"          .          .          .          .  .  187 

"As  Robert  stood  in  his  hesitation"     .          .          .  .  234 

"Sir  Joseph  stared  in  wonderment  at  the  spectacle"  .  267 

"Sir  Joseph  rushed  forward, — and  straddled  his  back  .  333 


OWL    TOWER 


CHAPTER   I 

THE  old  ivy-covered  tower  was  haunted;  there 
was  not  the  slightest  doubt  about  that  in  the 
minds  of  the  villagers,  whose  white- washed 
cottages  nestled  cozily  down  the  valley  away 
from  the  sight  of  its  evil  presence.  Many 
generations  of  villagers  before  their  time  had 
believed  in  its  baleful  influence  over  those  who 
dared  to  enter  its  walls,  and  nothing  tending  to 
increase  the  mystery  attached  to  it  was  lost  in 
transmission.  Moreover,  did  not  old  Samuel 
Tredinnick,  the  village  oracle,  and  sexton  to 
boot,  whose  duties  naturally  made  him  better 
acquainted  with  such  things,  aver  that  the 
place  was  more  uncanny  than  the  village 
cemetery? 

If  any  further  proof  was  wanting  to  estab- 
lish it,  the  owls  had,  from  time  immemorial, 
made  the  tower  their  abiding  place,  which  in 
itself  was  sufficient  evidence ;  for  what  spot  did 

1 


OWL    TOWER 

those  ill-omened  birds  infest  that  was  not  weird 
and  sepulchral? 

Not  alone  by  the  peasantry  was  the  old  tower 
looked  upon  with  superstitious  dread;  it  had 
a  reputation  for  ghostly  associations  among 
many  of  the  land-owners  for  miles  around; 
and  the  owner  of  the  ground  on  which  it  reared 
its  lofty  height  scrupulously  avoided  it;  and 
if,  when  on  hunting  bent,  a  wounded  pheasant 
dropped  within  a  radius  of  its  shadow,  he  called 
his  dogs  away,  as  though  its  flesh  was  con- 
taminated by  its  proximity. 

So  the  old  tower  stood  regardless  of  the  awe 
it  engendered,  and  defying  the  storms  of  cen- 
turies, nourishing  the  ivy  which  clung  around  it 
to  its  very  top,  and  nursing  in  its  nooks  and 
crannies  the  ill-omened  birds  which  helped  to 
perpetuate  the  antipathy  attached  to  it. 

For  many  generations  it  had  been  known  as 
the  "  Haunted  Tower,"  but  in  later  years  an 
old  vicar  of  the  parish  had  declaimed  against 
the  prevalent  belief  among  the  villagers  in 
ghosts  and  hobgoblins,  and  hoping  to  drive 
their  fears  away  concerning  the  spot,  had 
christened  it  "  Owl  Tower,"  which  none  the  less 
symbolized  its  traditional  properties,  and  also 

2 


OWL    TOWER 

tended  to  increase  rather  than  diminish  their 
superstitious  fears. 

Located  as  it  was,  within  gunshot  of  the 
main  thoroughfare,  the  more  timid  villagers 
passed  the  spot  with  feelings  of  dread  during 
the  open  day;  but  at  night-time,  and  partic- 
ularly on  dark,  starless  nights,  the  most  cour- 
ageous would  turn  his  face  in  the  direction  of 
the  spot  as  though  to  brave  the  danger  down, 
yet  hurry  by;  and  if  perchance  the  owls  were 
out  in  force,  sounding  their  sepulchral  cries,  as 
they  were  apt  to  be,  the  villager  ran  with  bated 
breath  and  hand  held  to  his  heart,  and  stopped 
not  until  he  reached  his  cottage-door.  Dogs 
were  known  to  give  unearthly  cries  as  they 
passed  the  spot  at  night,  and  once  upon  a  time 
a  horse  threw  and  killed  its  rider,  and  bolted 
back  the  way  on  which  it  came. 

Owl  Tower — as  it  is  now  called — aside  from 
the  depressing  influence  it  bore,  was  unique  in 
many  respects.  It  was  built  of  rough  granite, 
its  base  was  square  and  buttressed  to  a  height 
of  twenty  feet,  and  from  thence  to  a  height  of 
ninety  feet  it  was  round,  tapering  slightly 
towards  the  top.  The  square  part  was  pro- 
vided with  steps  on  the  outside  which  led  to  the 

3 


OWL    TOWER 

narrow  entrance  of  the  round  portion,  spiral 
steps  within  which  ascended  to  the  top,  an  em- 
battlement  ornamenting  that  portion  thereof. 
The  structure  was  supplied  with  narrow  em- 
brasures, but  the  ivy  had  so  densely  covered 
them  as  to  preclude  the  faintest  ray  of  light 
from  entering  the  interior. 

On  top  of  the  tower  huge  stones  of  rough- 
hewn  circular  shape  lay  scattered  about  like 
cannon  balls,  which — if  speculation  may  be  in- 
dulged in — were  originally  intended  to  be 
bowled  down  the  steps  at  any  foe  who  might 
aim  to  gain  the  summit. 

The  tower  was  located  on  the  extreme  south- 
ern boundary  of  an  estate  belonging  to  the 
ancient  barony  of  Trewhiddle,  in  Cornwall,  the 
present  owner  being  styled  Squire  John  Coles- 
hill,  a  lineal  descendant  of  the  first  ancient 
holder,  Sir  Godfrey  Coleshill,  whose  more 
recent  descendants  appeared  either  to  have 
forgotten  their  titles  or  to  have  lost  them  on 
the  way.  The  old  Elizabethan  mansion  in 
which  Squire  John  resided  was  situated  a  short 
distance  from  the  main  road,  in  a  northerly 
direction,  being  obscured  from  view  from  the 
locality  of  the  tower  by  a  narrow  strip  of 

4 


OWL    TOWER 

woodland,  which  had  evidently  been  planted 
there  in  former  years  for  that  purpose. 

Away  beyond  the  tower,  perched  on  a  hill, 
stood  the  Castle  of  Trevisick,  occupied  at  the 
time  of  this  story  by  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick,  who 
was  also  descended  from  an  illustrious  line  of 
ancestors  bearing  that  name.  The  view  of  the 
castle  was  likewise  cut  off  both  from  the  tower 
and  Trewhiddle  mansion  by  a  denser  piece  of 
woodland,  which,  after  winding  around  the 
outskirts  of  the  village,  assumed  the  propor- 
tions of  a  forest. 

Thus  Owl  Tower  itself  stood  sentinel  in  a 
narrow  valley  forming  the  boundary  of  the  two 
estates  of  Trewhiddle  and  Trevisick. 

Whatever  the  original  object  of  the  tower, 
its  history  had  become  so  disfigured  by  oral 
traditions  among  the  villagers,  that  they  no 
longer  possessed  any  information  concerning 
it  worthy  of  credence.  Not  so,  however,  was 
its  history  so  carelessly  regarded  by  the  owners 
of  the  two  properties  surrounding  it,  for  they 
had  preserved  it  with  such  zealous  care  that 
after  a  lapse  of  centuries  it  remained  unim- 
paired. 

Care  had  been  taken  by  the  ancestor  who  had 


OWL    TOWER 

erected  the  tower  that  the  event  leading  up  to 
it  should  not  degenerate  into  a  legend  of  the 
household;  for  Squire  John  Coleshill  prided 
himself  on  the  possession  of  two  life-sized 
pictures  that  hung  in  his  ancestral  hall,  and 
oftentimes  posed  before  them,  as  he  paced  up 
and  down  on  days  when  stormy  weather  pre- 
vented him  from  indulging  in  outdoor  exercise. 
His  ancestors  for  many  generations  had  posed 
in  like  manner,  and  Squire  John  had  tried  to 
imbue  his  only  son  with  the  same  hereditary 
malignity  which  the  sight  of  the  pictures  had 
the  subtle  power  of  engendering,  his  daughters 
— of  whom  he  had  several — being  considered 
incapable  on  account  of  their  feminine  nature, 
of  maintaining  the  enmity. 

One  of  the  pictures  whose  mere  contempla- 
tion was  able  to  perpetuate  the  ancestral  ani- 
mosty  unimpaired,  and  at  times  aroused  Squire 
John  to  a  pitch  of  excitement,  causing  him  to 
mutter  execrations  and  make  threatening  dem- 
onstrations with  his  fists  thereat,  represented 
a  knight  in  full  armor  drawing  the  body  of  a 
beautiful  girl  out  of  the  water;  scrolled  under- 
neath it  in  old  English  type  are  the  words, 
"  Litera  scripta  manet  "  (the  written  letter  re- 

6 


OWL    TOWER 

mains  as  proof).  The  other  represents  a 
man  in  civilian's  dress,  glancing  back  uneasily 
at  a  sheet  of  water  as  he  speeds  away  from  it; 
it  is  entitled  "  Eych  dyn  "  (this  is  the  man) . 

The  paintings  illustrate  the  sad  event  which 
happened  to  a  beautiful  daughter  of  the  house 
of  Coleshill,  away  back  in  its  earliest  history, 
who  was  betrayed  by  the  heir  of  Trevisick,  and 
who  drowned  herself  because  he  failed  to  keep 
his  troth;  a  letter  left  by  her  explained  the 
cause  of  the  tragedy.  The  heir  fled  into 
France,  and  the  rest  of  his  family  shut  them- 
selves in  the  castle  to  avoid  the  vengeance 
of  the  infuriated  father  of  the  unfortunate 
girl. 

Failing  to  secure  revenge,  and  very  nearly 
losing  his  own  life  in  attempting  to  force  an 
entrance  into  the  castle,  he  built  the  tower,  so 
that  he  could  watch  therefrom  for  the  murderer 
of  his  daughter;  and  there,  with  arquebuise  in 
hand,  he  sat  from  day  to  day,  and  week  to 
week,  bombarding  the  windows  of  the  castle 
with  his  bolts,  until  that  side  of  the  castle  was 
barricaded  to  him;  then  he  spent  his  time  in 
shooting  at  whomsoever  went  to  and  from  the 
castle,  making  life  unendurable  to  them,  until 

7 


OWL    TOWER 

the  cessation  of  hostilities  revealed  the  fact 
that  he  had  died. 

The  aggressiveness  continued  at  intervals  for 
several  generations,  so  that  although  the  shoot- 
ing was  not  persistent,  it  occurred  at  such  un- 
expected and  unseasonable  times  that  the 
inmates  of  the  castle  were  in  perpetual  fear  for 
their  lives.  Finally  one  old  ancestor  of  the 
house  of  Trevisick  was  found  dead  in  his  bed, 
with  a  bolt  firmly  planted  in  his  skull.  He  had 
retired  to  rest,  and  forgetful  of  his  hereditary 
enemy,  had  allowed  the  light  to  remain  burning 
in  his  room,  which  resulted  in  his  doom ;  for  his 
enemy,  espying  it  from  his  lookout  on  the 
tower,  took  aim  with  dire  effect. 

After  this  playful  experience  the  law 
stepped  in,  and  the  lord  of  Trewhiddle  was 
shorn  of  his  title  and  deprived  of  certain  lands. 
The  open  warfare  thereafter  ceased,  although 
the  old  animosity  continued  to  exist  between 
the  descendants  of  the  two  families  without 
abatement. 

In  recent  years,  as  time  and  learning  added 
to  the  beauty  and  accomplishments  of  the 
progeny  of  the  two  households,  many  were  the 
secret  glances  exchanged  between  them,  and 

8 


OWL     TOWER 

many  a  lovely  daughter  sighed  as  she  viewed 
the  handsome  youth  whom  fate  had  decreed 
was  never  hers  to  know,  saving  in  dreams  of 
happiness  never  to  be  realized.  Indeed,  on  one 
occasion,  two  generations  back,  a  noble  scion 
of  the  house  of  Trewhiddle  had  bowed  to  a 
beautiful  daughter  of  the  house  of  Trevisick, 
and  she,  poor  girl,  became  secretly  enamoured 
of  the  youth;  but  fear  of  doubt  held  them 
apart,  and  she  pined  away  and  died  just  after 
making  her  secret  love  known. 

The  present  proprietors  kept  just  as  much 
aloof  as  their  ancestors  had  ever  done,  but  the 
children  of  both  secretly  rebelled  at  the  unjust 
sentiment  which  kept  them  apart,  yet  neither 
attempted  to  break  the  old-established  rule, 
and  glances  only  betrayed  the  lingering  hopes 
enveloped  in  their  breasts. 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  blacksmith's  anvil  rang  out  right  merrily 
down  in  the  village  one  bright  July  morning  as 
old  Ben  Judd  plied  the  hammer  with  his  sinewy 
arm ;  and  as  the  sparks  flew  from  off  the  metal 
he  was  welding  into  shape,  other  sparks,  of  wis- 
dom, escaped  his  lips;  for  the  village  black- 
smith, next  to  the  old  sexton,  had  a  penchant 
for  picking  up  odd  bits  of  mystical  lore;  and 
when  he  had  exhausted  his  store  of  such  knowl- 
edge he  was  never  at  a  loss  for  other  words 
with  which  to  entertain  his  customers  till  they 
left;  for,  as  old  Ben  remarked  and  verily  be- 
lieved, "  conversation  properly  and  assiduously 
carried  out,  is  half  one's  labor,  and  all  the 
profit;  for  it  makes  you  forget  half  the  one 
whilst  the  other  is  accumulating." 

Be  it  as  it  may,  the  tink-a-link-a-link  of  the 
anvil  kept  up  a  musical  accompaniment  to  his 
words,  and  had  the  dual  effect  of  accomplish- 
ing his  work  and  charming  the  ear  of  a  ruddy- 
complexioned,  smooth-faced  individual  whom 

10 


OWL    TOWER 

he  addressed  sometimes  as  "  Sammy "  and 
other  times  as  "  coachman,"  and  who,  indeed, 
was  no  less  a  personage  than  Samuel  Biddle, 
coachman-in-chief  to  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick; 
and  who  in  consequence  of  that  lofty  position 
was  esteemed  at  the  village  tavern  as  among  its 
distinguished  visitors. 

"  I  tell  you  what  it  is,"  said  the  blacksmith, 
going  to  the  forge  and  withdrawing  the  rudi- 
ments of  a  horse-shoe ; — bing !  bang !  bing !  tink- 
a-link-a-link — "  it  is  high  time  that  old  tower 
was  leveled  to  the  ground  " — bing!  bang! — "  I 
could  hammer" — bing!  bang! — "the  old  fool 
who  put  it  there  " — bing !  bang !  "  Not  that  I 
have  any  malice  towards  Squire  John  " — bing ! 
bang! — "for  he's  a  good  old  sort" — bing! 
bang ! — "  pays  every  shilling  without  grum- 
bling " — bing!  bang!  "  There  it  stands  frown- 
ing upon  everybody  who  passes  " — bing !  bang ! 
bing !  tink-a-link-a-link — "  and  scaring  the 
women  folk  out  of  their  wits  at  night," — bing! 
bang!  bing!  "Not  only  that,  it  keeps  them 
young  misses  from  coming  together  " — bing ! 
bang!  bing! — "  and  the  girls,  poor  things,  have 
to  dry  up" — bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link — "  before  the  appointed  time ;  simply  be- 

n 


OWL    TOWER 

cause  " — bing!  bang! — "  their  feelings  are  not 
reciprocated  " — tink-a-link-a-link.  "  You  can't 
tell  me  they  wouldn't  love  each  other  " — bing ! 
bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link — "if  they  had 
the  opportunity.  There's  Miss  Margaret  you 
drove  home  yesterday  " — bing!  bang!  bing! — 
"  from  boarding  school;  she  is  ready  " — tink-a- 
link-a-link — "  to  blossom  out  into  woman- 
hood;" — bing!  bang! — "and  not  a  man  in 
these  whole  parts  to  speak" — bing!  bang! 
bing! — "  a  loving  word  to  her  " — tink-a-link-a- 
link. 

"  Likewise,  there  is  Robbie  Coleshill  just 
returned," — bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link — "  who  will  inherit  the  estate  after  Squire 
John;  " — bing!  bang!  bing — "  as  fine  a  young 
gentleman  as  ever  lived  "  —tink-a-link-a-link. 
"  Now  I  say  "  —bing!  bang! — "  that  those  two 
ought  to  be  brought  together;  "  —bing!  bang! 
bing!  tink-a-link-a-link — "they  are  made  for 
each  other ;" —bing !  bang!  bing! — "and  but 
for  that  cursed  old  tower," — bing!  bang!— 
"  the  natural  chances  are  they  would  come  to- 
gether;"— bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link — "  just  as  I  took  to  Mary  Ann  "  —tink-a- 
link-a-link. 

12 


OWL     TOWER 

Having,  during  this  eloquent  bit  of  wisdom, 
fashioned  a  set  of  shoes  to  his  liking,  the  black- 
smith looked  intently  at  the  coachman,  at  the 
same  time  resting  his  hammer  on  the  anvil,  say- 
ing, "  If  I  had  my  way,  I  would  say  to  Robert: 
*  Here,  my  boy,  let  bygones  be  bygones ;  fling 
your  cap  at  Margaret's  feet,  and  call  her 
yours.' ' 

During  this  oration  the  coachman  was  an 
appreciative  listener,  but  remained  silent;  as 
the  blacksmith  finished  his  remarks,  however, 
he  replied :  "I  quite  agree  with  you,  Ben ;  it 
is  a  senseless  thing  to  let  that  old  tower  inter- 
fere with  a  reconciliation." 

The  coachman  having  departed,  the  anvil 
again  resounded,  and  old  Ben  became  so  eager 
over  his  work  it  seemed  as  though  he  were 
welding  his  thoughts  into  shape  into  the  iron 
he  had  before  him,  and  that  indeed  Robert 
Coleshill  and  Margaret  Trevisick  must  ulti- 
mately come  together. 


CHAPTER    III 

GRACE  BIDDLE  was  a  daughter  of  Samuel  Bid- 
die,  the  coachman,  and  what  is  more  to  the 
point,  and  vastly  more  important  to  her  way  of 
thinking,  was  lady's  maid  to  Margaret  Trevi- 
sick;  not  that  Grace  was  in  any  way  indifferent 
to  her  parents,  or  to  her  numerous  younger 
sisters  and  brothers,  for  she  was  a  dutiful 
daughter;  but  the  servitude  of  her  young  mis- 
tress was  attended  with  such  agreeable  func- 
tions, her  heart  warmed  affectionately  towards 
her.  There  was  an  entire  absence  of  that  ser- 
vility usually  attending  such  duties;  indeed 
Margaret  Trevisick  treated  her  maid  more  as 
a  companion;  and  oftentimes,  after  under- 
going a  species  of  grooming  at  Grace's  hands, 
not  unlike  that  bestowed  by  the  latter's  father 
upon  the  horses,  would  compel  her  to  take  her 
place  and  give  her  an  example  of  the  trying 
ordeal,  winding  up  by  asking  her,  laughingly, 
"  How  she  liked  being  raked  and  pulled  to 
pieces? " 

14 


OWL    TOWER 

On  this  day  of  the  blacksmith's  oration 
Grace  was  particularly  happy;  and  as  she 
passed  the  smithy  on  a  visit  to  her  home  in  the 
village,  she  stopped  in  the  road  as  the  sparks 
flew  from  the  anvil  across  her  path  and  re- 
marked, "  Don't  you  polka-dot  me  with  those 
sparks,  Mr.  Judd;  they  are  pretty  while  they 
shine,  but  they  will  leave  my  dress  full  of 
holes." 

Old  Ben  ceased  hammering,  and  placing 
the  iron  in  the  fire,  came  to  the  entrance, 
and  bestowing  a  kindly  smile  upon  the  girl, 
answered : 

"  Yes,  my  dear,  those  sparks  are  like  some 
people,  they  glimmer  for  a  brief  moment,  and 
are  lost  forever  in  the  maelstrom  of  life.  How 
is  Miss  Margaret? " 

"  She  is  well,  and  lovely,  better  than  she  ever 
was,  I  think,"  responded  the  girl. 

"  Just  as  full  of  life? "  queried  the  black- 
smith. 

"  Brimming  over,"  laughingly  replied 
Grace;  "  I  hardly  know  what  to  do  with  her; 
and  then  she  is  so  kind,  too.  Look  at  this 
bundle ;  she  gave  me  all  her  school  clothes,  and 
many  things  besides;  she  called  it  her  house- 
is 


OWL    TOWER 

cleaning  time.  She  has  completed  her  school- 
ing, and  now  she  says  she  must  begin  again  at 
home." 

"  Is  she  in  love  with  anybody? "  asked  the 
blacksmith  in  a  subdued  voice,  and  with  a  merry 
twinkle  in  his  eye. 

"  She  hasn't  confided  it  to  me  if  she  is," 
replied  the  girl,  "  and  I  think  she  would,  for 
she  tells  me  most  everything." 

"  I  am  very  much  interested,"  returned  the 
blacksmith,  "  for  we  have  loved  Margaret  ever 
since  she  was  a  child." 

Grace  having  proceeded  on  her  way,  the 
blacksmith  returned  to  his  work,  and  the  sparks 
flew  more  merrily  still. 

"How  nice  of  her,"  Grace's  mother  ex- 
claimed, as  she  viewed  the  contents  of  the 
bundle. 

"  Father  will  bring  another  package  this 
evening,"  said  Grace. 

"  I  do  hope  she  will  get  a  good  husband," 
replied  the  mother;  "  I  wish  that  old  tower  was 
blown  up,  then  there  might  be  some  prospect 
for  her  with  young  Coleshill." 

On  returning  to  the  castle  that  afternoon, 
Grace  met  her  young  mistress  as  she  was  leav- 

16 


OWL    TOWER 

ing  the  vicarage,  where  she  had  called  on  a 
visit,  so  they  walked  along  together. 

Margaret  inquired  of  Grace  concerning  the 
welfare  of  her  people,  winding  up  by  asking, 
significantly,  if  she  had  seen  any  other  person. 

Grace  blushingly  replied  that  she  had  not — 
meaning  that  she  had  not  seen  her  sweetheart 
— "  But,"  she  added,  "  I  conversed  with  the 
blacksmith,  and  he  said  he  was  glad  to  know 
that  you  were  home  and  well,  as  they  were  very 
fond  of  you." 

"  I  am  pleased,"  said  Margaret,  "  that  the 
villagers  are  interested  in  my  welfare." 

"  Mr.  Judd  is  a  nice  old  man,"  said  Grace. 

"  It  isn't  nice  to  be  talked  about  haphazardly 
though,  Grace ;  even  by  nice  old  men." 

"  Nor  young  ones  either,  do  you  think, 
Miss?" 

"  That  is  still  more  objectionable,"  Margaret 
replied. 

"  Lor,  Miss ;  how  do  you  expect  any  nice 
young  man  to  love  you  if  you  don't  talk  to  him, 
or  allow  him  to  talk  about  you?  " 

"I  am  not  thinking  seriously  about  it, 
Grace." 

At  that  moment  a  young  man  on  horseback 
17 


OWL     TOWER 

came  cantering  briskly  towards  them.  As  he 
approached  he  drew  rein,  and  as  he  slowly 
passed  them  he  took  off  his  hat  and  bowed,  but 
without  looking  towards  them. 

Margaret  blushed  very  deeply,  for  in  the 
rider  she  readily  recognized  Robert  Coleshill. 

Grace  remarked :  "  That  is  young  Mr. 
Coleshill,  Miss ;  he  is  such  a  nice  gentleman,  and 
how  nice  he  does  behave.  I  wish  you  knew  the 
likes  of  him." 

"  And  how  do  you  know  I  would  care  to  be- 
come acquainted  with  him? "  Margaret  asked, 
still  retaining  the  blush  his  appearance  had  en- 
gendered. 

"  I  know  you  have  a  heart  like  other  people," 
the  girl  replied,  "  and  I  also  know  that  he  has." 

At  this  last  remark  Margaret  gave  an  im- 
moderate laugh,  and  the  horseman,  not  yet  out 
of  hearing,  turned  in  his  saddle  inquisitively, 
and  a  pang  shot  through  him  as  he  inferred  that 
Margaret  Trevisick  was  mocking  him  for  his 
courtesy. 

Margaret,  too,  having  seen  him  turn  his 
head,  exclaimed:  "There,  I'll  warrant  Mr. 
Coleshill  imagines  I  was  making  fun  of  him, 
and  I  feel  dreadfully  mortified." 

18 


OWL     TOWER 

After  this  event  Margaret  proceeded  to  the 
castle  without  taking  further  notice  of  the  re- 
marks Grace  made  to  her,  and  going  to  her  bed- 
room threw  herself  on  a  lounge,  murmuring 
dejectedly:  "  To  think  Robert  Coleshill  should 
consider  me  guilty  of  such  barbarous  con- 
duct ;  "  and  she  lay  brooding  over  the  unhappy 
circumstance  until  Grace  entered  her  room  to 
prepare  her  for  dinner. 

Margaret  took  no  interest  in  her  toilet,  and 
made  a  poor  excuse  at  the  dinner  table;  and 
after  attempting  to  dismiss  the  matter  from 
her  thoughts  by  drumming  a  few  tunes  on 
the  piano,  she  finally  asked  her  parents  to 
excuse  her,  and  kissing  them,  retired  for  the 
night. 

"  Margaret  seems  indisposed,"  remarked 
Lady  Trevisick. 

"  That  cursed  tower  has  caused  more  con- 
fusion of  tongues  than  the  Tower  of  Babel," 
replied  Sir  Joseph,  "  for  the  people  implicated 
in  the  latter  could  betray  some  signs  of 
language,  but  we  are  destined  forever  to  hold 
our  peace." 

Margaret  fell  on  her  knees  beside  her  bed, 
and  after  repeating  the  orthodox  prayer,  lifted 

19 


OWL    TOWER 

her  heart  for  one  who  knew  it  not,  nor  dreamed 
that  he  was  ever  in  her  thoughts. 

That  night  she  tossed  uneasily  in  her  bed, 
and  spent  hours  in  trying  to  invent  a  single 
phrase  which  would  explain  away  her  apparent 
derision.  At  last  she  fell  into  a  slumber  to 
dream  of  sunny  climes  and  gallant  cavaliers 
bowing  gracefully  to  her  as  they  rode  by ;  then 
a  cloud  obscured  the  scene  and  a  storm  broke  in 
all  its  fury;  and  as  the  raindrops  heavily  fell 
a  youth  rode  by  on  jaded  steed,  whose  noble 
mien  was  crushed  with  weight  of  woe,  and  in 
passing  he  took  his  hat  from  off  his  head,  but 
bowed  not  to  her. 


CHAPTER   IV 

NATURE  is  always  displaying  examples  of  the 
many  changes  and  vicissitudes  of  life,  yet  the 
world  rarely  takes  advantage  of  them  by  ac- 
quiring the  wisdom  necessary  to  counteract 
their  depressing  influences. 

The  morning  following  the  events  in  the  last 
chapter  was  ushered  in  by  a  heavy  storm  as 
though  to  fulfill  the  purport  of  Margaret's 
dream;  and  Squire  John  Coleshill,  attired  in  a 
night-robe  and  with  a  scarlet  and  white  wig  sit- 
ting awry  on  his  silvered  head,  went  to  one  of 
the  windows  of  his  bedroom  to  gaze  upon  the 
rain  as  it  descended  with  a  pattering  noise 
upon  a  strip  of  woodland  which  that  part  of 
the  manor-house  exposed  to  view. 

He  had  no  sooner  assumed  an  attitude  of 
pensive  thought  than  a  pane  of  glass  was 
shattered  before  him,  and  an  arrow  fell  on  his 
bare  feet.  Squire  John  for  a  moment  was  too 
horrified  to  move ;  but  the  thought  that  the  old 
deadly  feud  had  been  resumed  aroused  him  to 
his  danger;  and  he  sprang  aside  and  hastily 

21 


OWL     TOWER 

commenced  to  clothe  himself,  all  the  time  vow- 
ing vengeance  against  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick, 
and  threatening  to  occupy  the  Tower  with 
arquebuise  in  hand,  as  his  ancestors  had  done, 
forgetting  for  the  moment  the  more  modern 
and  effective  weapon  of  the  gun. 

He  had  drawn  on  one  leg  of  his  knee-pants, 
and  was  about  to  step  into  the  other,  grumbling 
to  himself  the  while,  when  his  attention  was 
attracted  to  the  arrow ;  and  cautiously  crawling 
on  his  hands  and  knees,  he  picked  it  up  and 
extracted  from  the  butt  a  card  which  was  clev- 
erly substituted  for  the  usual  feathers;  and 
procuring  his  spectacles,  read  the  dainty  hand- 
writing thereon: 

"  Margaret  Trevisick  apologizes  for  this  apparent 
boldness,  and  trusts  Mr.  Robert  Coleshill  will  not  mis- 
interpret her  unseemly  merriment  of  yesterday,  as  ap- 
plied to  him." 

Squire  John  held  the  card  in  his  hand,  and 
looking  straight  before  him  as  though  some  in- 
dividual confronted  him,  exclaimed :  "  Well, 
I  be  bio  wed!  as  I  am  a  thorough  good  Chris- 
tian gentleman,  if  this  isn't  the  greatest  sur- 
prise that  ever  happened  to  the  house  of  Coles- 

22 


OWL     TOWER 

hill  for  many  generations,  I  have  spent  all  my 
years  for  nothing." 

Then  Squire  John  did  something  which  no 
good  Christian  gentleman  would  be  willing  to 
admit  himself  guilty  of,  for  he  deliberately 
kicked  the  knee-breeches — which  had  slipped 
around  his  feet — across  the  room,  so  that  in 
falling  it  straddled  the  foot  of  the  bed;  and 
puckering  up  his  mouth,  whistled  odd  bits  of 
"  The  Mad  Piper,"  and  actually  danced  until 
he  puffed  with  exhaustion ;  then  something  im- 
mediately forced  itself  upon  his  thoughts,  for 
he  just  as  inconsistently  fell  on  his  knees  by  the 
side  of  his  bed. 

Squire  John  had  danced,  prayed  and  break- 
fasted, and  was  now  walking  up  and  down  the 
hall  of  his  mansion,  deep  in  thought.  Oc- 
casionally he  would  stop  and  view  the  two 
pictures,  but  his  gaze  had  not  his  old-time 
scrutiny;  he  seemed  rather  to  be  debating  in 
his  mind  whether  after  all  these  years  it  was 
not  time  to  bury  in  oblivion  the  recollection  of 

f*7 
that  deed  which  the  present  generation  was  in 

nowise  responsible  for.  He  recalled  to  mind 
also  that  the  circumstance  had  long  ago  been 
partly  avenged. 

23 


OWL     TOWER 

Shortly  afterwards  his  son  entered  the  hall, 
and  Squire  John  addressed  him,  saying : 

"  Robert,  are  you  acquainted  with  Margaret 
Trevisick? " 

"I  have  never  spoken  to  her,"  Robert 
answered  with  an  inquiring  look. 

"  Have  you  met  her  in  any  way? " 

"  I  met  her  with  her  maid  yesterday  on  my 
return  from  riding,  and  I  regret  that  she  ex- 
hibited a  very  frivolous  character,  for  after  I 
had  performed  the  ordinary  courtesy  of  remov- 
ing my  hat,  until  I  had  passed  her — which  was 
all  I  felt  could  be  done  in  consequence  of  the 
unfortunate  feeling  existing  between  the  two 
families — I  was  surprised  at  being  greeted  with 
laughter." 

"  You  are  entirely  mistaken  in  your  opinion 
regarding  her,"  answered  his  father. 

"  I  sincerely  hope  so,"  replied  the  son,  "  al- 
though my  eyes  and  ears  were  not  mistaken." 

"  What  would  you  do  if  I  were  to  say  to  you 
that  the  old  feud  was  renewed  early  this  morn- 
ing, and  that  as  I  was  looking  from  my  bed- 
room window  an  arrow  shattered  the  glass  and 
fell  at  my  feet?  " 

"  I  can  never  believe,  father,  that  Sir  Joseph 

24 


OWL     TOWER 

would  lower  his  dignity  by  being  party  to  such 
a  villainous  proceeding." 

"  What  would  you  say  to  the  belief  I  enter- 
tain that  his  daughter,  Margaret,  was  the 
guilty  one?  " 

"  I  would  say  it  is  much  worse  than  the 
opinion  I  had  formed  of  her  discourtesy." 

"  It  is  easy  for  both  of  us  to  be  mistaken," 
replied  the  Squire.  Then  taking  the  card 
from  his  pocket  and  placing  it  in  his  son's 
hand,  he  said:  "  This  message  was  conveyed 
by  the  arrow,"  and  he  scrutinized  his  son's  face 
as  he  read  it. 

Robert  turned  crimson,  and  after  a  short 
silence  said: 

"  It  shows  that  Miss  Trevisick  is  a  very  sen- 
sible, conscientious  girl;  she  divined  exactly 
what  I  felt,  and  she  has  discovered  a  way 
of  communicating  her  regrets,  under  the  cir- 
cumstances, very  much  to  the  credit  of  her 
inventive  genius." 

"  Only  that  she  mistook  the  room,"  grinned 
the  old  gentleman. 

"  Have  we  not  been  full  of  mistakes  regard- 
ing her  and  her  people  generally? "  asked  the 
son. 

£5 


OWL    TOWER 

"  It  looks  very  much  so,  Robert,"  replied  the 
Squire. 

"  Is  there  no  way,  father,  of  wiping  out  this 
ridiculous  feud  that  exists  between  the  two 
families?" 

'  That  cursed  old  Tower  is  in  the  way, 
Robert;  it  has  been  casting  its  baleful  shadow 
over  both  families  since  this  event," — pointing 
with  his  finger  at  the  pictures — "  the  old  ani- 
mosity will  remain  as  long  as  it  stands." 

"  Is  Margaret  Trevisick  any  more  responsi- 
ble for  that  deed,"  asked  Robert,  "  than  I  am 
for  the  killing  of  one  of  her  old  ancestors  by 
one  of  mine?  " 

"  Not  in  the  least,  my  son ;  I  realized  this 
morning  that  Margaret  Trevisick  has  taught 
me  wisdom  through  the  instrumentality  of  the 
very  weapon  which  our  ancestors  used  in  anger 
against  her  house." 

Robert  left  the  mansion,  and  as  he  rode  over 
the  estate  his  thoughts  often  reverted  to  Mar- 
garet Trevisick  and  her  novel  introduction  to 
him. 

Squire  John's  first  thought,  on  being  left 
alone,  was  to  direct  the  butler  to  remove  the 
pictures,  but  on  second  reflection  he  resolved  to 

26 


OWL    TOWER 

let  them  remain;  but  the  old  ire  which  used  to 
arise  at  sight  of  them  had  vanished,  and  in- 
stead he  saw  visions  of  a  beautiful  girl 
struggling  to  redeem  the  happiness  of  both 
houses. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  pride  of  ancestry  is  a  very  pardonable 
trait,  and  when  it  continues  to  be  associated 
with  all  the  elements  which  consort  to  keep  it 
illustrious,  it  is  apt  to  be  conducted  with  a 
dignity  wholly  unknown  to  those  outside  its 
atmosphere. 

Such  had  been  the  condition  of  the  house  of 
Trevisick  for  many  generations,  and  its  glory 
to-day  is  enhanced  by  better  values,  and  what  is 
more  important,  by  a  deeper  education,  and 
consequently  more  generous  views  of  life ;  not 
that  the  dignity  of  Sir  Joseph  was  in  the  least 
modified  thereby,  for  he  still  maintained  that 
solemnity  of  bearing  which  kept  him  sacred 
from  undue  familiarity. 

It  has  often  been  a  question  whether  such 
men  as  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick  are  really  desir- 
able personages  to  enter  into  connubial  bliss, 
or  if,  indeed,  the  children  of  such  dignified  be- 
ings can  approach  them  in  any  way  leading 
unto  tenderness,  and  if  they  are  not  wholly 
shut  off  from  the  love  devoted  to  children  of 

28 


OWL    TOWER 

less  self-important  beings.  Sir  Joseph  was 
naturally  uxorious,  and  his  courtship  days  and 
subsequent  life  were  those  of  pure  devotion, 
not  only  to  his  wife,  but  to  his  children. 

Unfortunately,  Sir  Joseph  had  no  son  to 
dote  upon,  and  that  at  times  made  him  some- 
what irritable;  but  he  had  four  daughters,  of 
whom  Margaret  was  the  eldest,  and  nothing 
had  been  spared  in  her  education  to  make  her 
fitted  to  maintain  her  father's  dignity. 

Sir  Joseph  looked  upon  his  daughter  with 
pardonable  pride,  and  he  always  carried  his 
dignity  a  few  degrees  higher  when  in  her  com- 
pany; for  she  was  a  talented,  delightful  girl, 
free  from  the  vanity  which  wealth  and  position 
usually  engender.  He  frequently  conversed 
with  Margaret,  and  on  the  eventful  morning 
which  augured  so  much  for  the  speedy  recon- 
ciliation of  the  two  families — being  confined  to 
the  castle  by  the  storm — he  said  to  her : 

"You  are  the  exact  counterpart  of  your 
mother,  my  dear,  when  I  first  fell  in  love  with 
her;  I  mean  in  appearance,  for  your  mother 
was  somewhat  vain  of  her  good  looks,  I 
believe." 

"  I  am  not  vain,  papa." 
29 


OWL    TOWER 

"  A  little  vanity  is  pardonable  in  woman," 
he  replied ;  "  besides,  it  helps  to  protect  them 
from  adventurers." 

They  were  sitting  in  the  drawing-room. 
The  sun  shone  on  Margaret's  hair,  which  was 
adjusted  in  a  graceful  coiffure,  and  a  portion 
of  it  had  become  loosened  and  flowed  in  a  wavy 
mass  upon  her  shoulder,  and  her  father  took 
it  fondly  in  his  hand,  saying:  "  Just  like  your 
mother's ;  it  appears  dark  almost  unto  black,  in 
the  shade ;  but  when  the  sun  sheds  its  rays  upon 
it,  it  changes  to  gold,  and  as  you  turn  your 
head,  it  blends  in  undulations." 

"  Did  you  talk  like  that  to  mamma?  "  Mar- 
garet asked  with  a  merry  laugh. 

"  I  suppose  I  must  have  done  so,  my  dear ; 
we  will  ask  her  by  and  by ; "  and  Sir  Joseph 
laughed  at  the  thought,  then  bending  over  his 
daughter  he  kissed  her ;  the  pretty,  well-formed 
lips  settling  into  a  pleased  smile  as  her  father 
proceeded  with  the  description  of  her  mother's 
appearance  in  her  girlhood  days. 

"  Then  her  eyes  were  brown  and  large,  like 
yours;  although  her  eyebrows  were  not  so 
highly  curved  as  yours;"  and  as  he  spoke  he 
traced  his  finger  over  his  daughter's  eyebrows. 

30 


OWL    TOWER 

"  You  are  fair  to  look  upon,  my  child ;  nothing 
will  preserve  your  beauty  so  well  as  purity  and 
nobleness  of  life,"  saying  which,  he  again  kissed 
her,  and  soon  afterwards  dozed  in  his  chair. 

There  would  appear  to  be  something  in  the 
mind  analogous  to  matter,  for  the  same  feel- 
ings that  prompted  Squire  John  Coleshill  that 
morning  to  abandon  the  long-existing  feud, 
and  also  pervaded  the  thoughts  of  his  son  dur- 
ing his  ride,  likewise  dominated  the  mind  of 
Margaret ;  and  although  she  thought  it  unwise 
to  broach  the  subject  to  her  father,  she  deter- 
mined secretly  to  devise  a  plan  whereby  the  two 
families  could  be  brought  together  at  least  on 
terms  of  mutual  recognition ;  but  how  and  when 
to  proceed  had  not  yet  entered  into  her  cal- 
culations. 

Leaving  her  father  comfortably  asleep, 
Margaret  encased  her  feet  in  heavy  walking 
shoes  and  went  out  upon  the  lawn.  The  grass 
was  still  wet  with  the  rain  which  fell  during  the 
early  morning;  but  the  July  sun  was  fast  mak- 
ing its  presence  felt. 

Margaret  loitered  around  the  walks  for  a 
while,  viewing  the  shrubbery,  and  at  last 
wended  her  way  through  a  lane  which  led 

31 


OWL    TOWER 

through  the  forest.  The  raindrops  were 
sparkling  in  the  sunshine,  and  the  birds  car- 
oled to  make  up  for  the  time  the  rain  had  sub- 
dued their  songs.  A  fawn  issued  from  the 
bushes  and  stopped  with  trembling  limbs  to 
gaze  with  its  large,  lustrous  eyes  upon  Mar- 
garet's stately  form,  and  she  stood  still  admir- 
ing the  beautiful  picture  before  her,  until  the 
animal  bounded  away  into  the  thicket.  She 
continued  her  walk  to  the  end  of  the  lane,  and 
then  followed  the  hedge  which  divided  the 
Trevisick  estate  from  that  of  Trewhiddle,  until 
she  came  directly  opposite  Owl  Tower.  She 
looked  up  at  its  frowning  height  with  some- 
thing akin  to  awe,  as  she  thought  upon  its  his- 
tory and  the  long  bitter  feud  it  had  engendered. 
The  ivy  clinging  to  its  rugged  walls,  freshened 
by  the  rain,  glistened  in  the  sunshine;  and  as 
the  breezes  twirled  the  shimmering  leaves,  a 
sound  proceeded  therefrom  like  the  receding 
tide. 

For  a  considerable  space  around  the  Tower 
the  sward  was  covered  with  dense  brake,  and 
selecting  a  spot  less  difficult  than  the  rest,  Mar- 
garet succeeded  in  gaining  its  base,  then  ascend- 
ing the  steps,  she  reached  the  entrance  to  the 


OWL    TOWER 

round  portion,  and  after  looking  around  to  see 
if  she  were  watched,  she  entered  and  began  the 
ascent. 

A  century  or  more  had  elapsed  since  any 
person  had  ventured  within  its  walls,  and  Mar- 
garet's progress  was  impeded  by  masses  of  ivy 
which  had  accumulated  inside  the  embrasures, 
but  now  she  had  commenced  her  journey  she 
was  determined  to  finish  it;  so  she  broke  off 
such  portions  as  opposed  her  passage  and 
dropped  them  through  the  openings.  Every 
embrasure  in  the  tower  had  more  or  less  of  such 
obstructions,  and  it  consumed  considerable  time 
in  removing  same,  but  when  she  reached  the 
summit  she  was  rewarded  by  the  magnificent 
panorama  which  lay  around  her. 

The  mansion  of  Squire  Coleshill  was  plainly 
visible,  and  indeed  seemed  to  be  directly  under- 
neath the  tower;  she  gazed  upon  it  for  some 
time,  because  she  had  never  witnessed  it  in  its 
entirety  before.  Her  own  home  likewise 
seemed  to  be  TSO  near,  she  wondered  how  such  a 
delightful  look-out  spot  could  have  been  over- 
looked by  her.  The  village  with  its  white- 
washed cottages  looked  like  so  many  blocks  of 
chalk  scattered  about. 


OWL    TOWER 

After  surfeiting  her  gaze  with  the  scenery, 
she  turned  her  attention  to  the  huge  stone 
spheres  which  lay  scattered  about,  and  she 
wondered  what  they  were  intended  for.  They 
were  probably  last  seen  by  that  old  Coleshill 
who  had  fired  the  bolt  into  the  skull  of  her 
ancestor ;  and  now,  strange  to  relate,  they  were 
being  rolled  around  by  a  descendant  of  the 
latter  individual;  for  Margaret,  not  content 
with  looking  at  the  spheres,  began  to  push  them 
with  her  dainty  feet;  they  were  heavy,  to  be 
sure,  but  so  round  they  were  easily  trundled. 
At  last  she  resolved  in  her  mind  the  correct 
supposition  what  they  were  originally  intended 
for,  and  an  irresistible  desire  seized  her  to  try 
the  experiment  of  speeding  one  of  them  down 
the  steps ;  so  selecting  one  of  medium  size,  she 
rolled  it  to  the  opening,  and  after  leaning  over 
the  parapet  to  see  that  nobody  was  in  the  way, 
she  gave  the  sphere  a  push,  and  down  it 
bounded,  thud,  thud,  now  dashing  against  the 
outer  wall  then  back  to  the  steps,  each  bound 
gaining  in  force  and  velocity. 

Margaret  stooped  and  listened  to  its  fearful 
progress  down  the  steps,  and  then  again  looked 
over  the  parapet  just  in  time  to  see  it  bounce 

34 


OWL     TOWER 

out  from  the  entrance  and  fall  among  the 
brake,  where  it  became  lost  to  sight.  It  was 
such  a  novel  amusement  to  the  girl  that  she 
never  once  stopped  to  consider  she  was  tres- 
passing, or  that  Squire  Coleshill  might  not  like 
any  interference  even  with  the  haunted  tower; 
so  she  decided  to  try  another,  which  acted  in 
precisely  the  same  manner  as  the  previous  one. 
As  a  third  and  last  attempt,  she  decided  to 
start  the  heaviest  sphere  on  its  downward  jour- 
ney, and  after  considerable  effort  she  rolled  the 
ponderous  mass  to  the  step  and  sent  it  speed- 
ing down. 

The  noise  it  made  in  its  descent  was  alarm- 
ing to  her,  and  each  time  the  sphere  struck  the 
outer  wall  the  tower  trembled,  and  the  owls 
flew  away  from  their  snug  retreat  and  hid  in 
the  neighboring  woods.  Margaret  looked 
over  the  parapet,  and  instead  of  seeing  the 
sphere  bounce  out  as  the  other  two  had  done, 
she  was  awestruck  to  witness  a  cloud  of  dust 
and  mortar  fly  forth,  followed  by  a  heavy  crash 
of  falling  stone;  and  the  tower  visibly  shook, 
so  that  she  trembled  with  fear  lest  it  should 
fall. 

After  it  was  too  late,  Margaret  realized  the 
35 


OWL    TOWER 

gravity  of  her  actions,  and  felt  she  had  com- 
mitted a  downright  offence  to  the  house  of 
Coleshill,  requiring  a  personal  explanation  and 
apology. 

She  had  not  long  to  dwell  upon  the  occur- 
rence before  her  thoughts  were  running  wildly 
in  another  channel ;  for  she  espied  a  gentleman 
emerge  from  the  woodland  on  the  Trewhiddle 
estate  and  run  swiftly  towards  the  tower. 
Her  first  impulse  was  to  descend,  but  she  real- 
ized she  could  not  reach  the  bottom  before  the 
individual  would  be  half  way  to  the  top,  so 
she  resolved  to  remain  where  she  was. 

The  gentleman  was  no  other  than  Robert 
Coleshilli  who  had  been  occupied  in  reading 
in  the  cool  of  the  woodlands.  He  had  espied 
Margaret  walking  towards  the  tower,  and  was 
agreeably  surprised  to  discover  the  courage 
she  possessed  in  entering  it;  not  that  he  lacked 
courage  himself,  he  had  not  visited  it  because 
of  the  general  aversion  to  it. 

It  was  not  a  proper  thing  for  a  young  gentle- 
man to  do,  but  he  was  so  interested  in  the  pro- 
ceedings that  he  dropped  his  book  and  watched. 
He  saw  the  broken  pieces  of  ivy  thrust 
through  the  apertures  in  the  tower  dur- 

36 


OWL    TOWER 

ing  Margaret's  ascent,  and  he  realized  that  her 
journey  to  the  top  was  a  tedious  one.  He 
watched  her  intently  as  she  gazed  around  after 
reaching  the  summit,  although  her  head  only 
was  visible ;  and  he  listened  with  some  surprise 
at  the  noise  the  spheres  made  in  their  descent, 
and  when  they  shot  out  from  the  entrance  he 
looked  with  amazement,  for  he  knew  not  the 
meaning  thereof;  but  when  the  third  sphere 
thudded  loudly  in  its  downward  course,  and  the 
seeming  explosion  followed  as  it  reached  the 
bottom,  his  fears  were  aroused  for  Margaret's 
safety;  so  heedless  of  any  harm  that  might  be- 
fall himself,  he  sped  swiftly  to  the  scene ;  and 
on  reaching  the  entrance  to  the  round  portion 
of  the  tower  he  discovered  that  several  of  the 
lower  spiral  steps  had  been  torn  away  and  had 
fallen  through  into  the  square  portion  below, 
and  that  many  of  the  steps  above  were  in  a  tot- 
tering condition,  but  what  caused  it  he  could 
not  imagine;  and  indeed  he  gave  himself  no 
time  for  conjecture,  for  reaching  with  his  hands 
the  steps  above  him,  he  climbed  thereon  and 
then  hastily  ascended  the  tower. 

Margaret  stood  in  the  center  of  the  flat  roof 
structure   with   her   hands    folded,   the   very 

37 


OWL    TOWER 

picture  of  despair;  she  was  really  to  be  pitied, 
for  her  state  of  mind  was  wrought  to  a  lament- 
able condition,  not  only  at  the  damage  she  had 
caused,  but  at  the  prospect  of  meeting  in  such 
a  place,  and  under  such  circumstances,  a  sup- 
posed enemy  to  her  father's  house. 

As  Robert  Coleshill  emerged  into  the  pres- 
ence of  Margaret  he  stood  panting  for  a 
moment,  with  hat  in  hand,  watching  intently 
the  beautiful  girl  before  him. 

Margaret  in  turn  looked  at  him,  furtively, 
and  then  turned  her  eyes  on  the  remaining 
spheres. 

At  last  Robert  Coleshill  addressed  her,  say- 
ing :  "  I  humbly  beg  your  pardon,  Miss  Tre- 
visick,  if  I  have  unwittingly  intruded.  I  wit- 
nessed the  explosion  from  the  woodland,  and 
feeling  that  something  very  unusual  was  oc- 
curring, and  knowing  you  were  in  the  tower,  I 
hastened  hither  fearing  your  life  was  in 
danger.  If  my  services  are  not  required  here, 
they  will  be  at  the  base;  I  will  retire  thither  and 
await  your  pleasure." 

Margaret's  good  sense  and  courage  im- 
mediately returned  to  her,  and  approaching 
Robert  Coleshill,  she  extended  her  hand  to  him, 

38 


OWL    TOWER 

at  the  same  time  looking  at  him  with  her  won- 
derful eyes,  saying:  "  Mr.  Coleshill,  I  thank 
you  a  thousand  times  for  your  good  intentions. 
I  was  so  perplexed  for  a  moment  at  the  realiza- 
tion of  the  damage  I  so  foolishly  committed, 
and  at  the  prospect  of  meeting  you,  without 
being  able  to  explain  my  conduct,  that  I  felt 
like  jumping  over  the  tower." 

"  I  am  very  glad  you  restrained  yourself, 
Miss  Trevisick,"  he  replied,  "  for  I  would  have 
been  deprived  of  this  great  pleasure  in  meeting 
you,  and  all  of  us  would  have  been  forced  into 
another  long  sorrowful  generation  of  grief." 

"I  doubt  not  your  sincerity,  sir,  and  it  sur- 
prises me  the  more,  having  been  silently  in- 
spired almost  from  childhood  to  feel  the 
contrary  was  to  be  expected." 

"  It  has  been  my  daily  regret,"  Robert 
replied,  "  that  my  life  has  to  be  darkened  by 
the  reflection  of  a  deed  for  which  I  am  in  no 
way  responsible." 

"  I  feel  it  is  a  monstrous  absurdity,  Mr. 
Coleshill;  and  my  anxiety  to  disentangle  the 
meshes  which  have  been  wound  about  us  by 
generations  of  foolish  ancestors  is  what  in- 
duced me  to  trespass  on  your  property  to-day ; 

39 


OWL    TOWER 

for  I  felt  that  this  old  tower,  on  account  of  the 
stigma  attached  to  it,  was  the  place  to  begin  to 
unravel  some  of  it.  I  feel,  however,  I  have 
made  a  very  bad  beginning,  for  I  have  com- 
mitted great  damage  I  have  no  doubt." 

"If  you  will  allow  me  to  take  that  freedom, 
Miss  Trevisick,  I  will  say  you  have  made  the 
best  possible  progress  in  a  very  little  time,  for 
so  far  as  the  house  of  Coleshill  is  concerned, 
the  meshes  are  this  day  removed." 

"  I  feel  most  grateful  for  your  condescen- 
sion," Margaret  replied;  "if  I  can  only  suc- 
ceed as  well  with  my  father." 

"  I  will  pray  sincerely  to  that  end,"  Robert 
rejoined. 

"  And  now,  sir,  how  shall  I  clear  myself 
from  the  damage  I  have  committed? " 

"  It  would  have  been  a  blessing,  Miss  Tre- 
visick, if  you  had  knocked  the  entire  structure 
down,  provided  you  escaped  uninjured;  as 
it  is,  I  think  the  damage  will  prevent  fur- 
ther visits,  as  the  lower  steps  have  fallen 
away." 

'They  must  be  fixed,"  Margaret  replied, 
"  for  such  a  beautiful  view  of  the  country  is 
not  obtainable  elsewhere;"  and  then  she 

40 


"When  they  arrived  at  the  detached  portion  of  the  steps 
Robert  held  up  his  arms  to  her."     .... 


OWL     TOWER 

pointed  out  to  him  the  different  localities  they 
each  knew  well. 

'  Yes,"  Robert  commented,  "  I  wonder  I  did 
not  think  of  it  before;  it  is  not  too  late  now, 
thanks  to  your  discovery." 

Then  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  spheres, 
and  as  they  both  dwelt  upon  their  use,  Robert 
laughed  heartily  as  he  styled  himself  the  des- 
cendant of  a  savage  of  the  stone  age. 

As  they  started  to  leave  Robert  said :  "  You 
had  better  let  me  precede  you  in  the  descent, 
Miss  Trevisick,  on  account  of  the  danger 
beneath." 

When  they  arrived  at  the  detached  portion 
of  the  steps  Robert  held  up  his  arms  to  her 
and  she  sliJ  into  them,  for  it  was  the  only 
thing  she  could  do.  Then  she  dusted  his  coat 
with  her  handkerchief,  and  they  descended  the 
square  portion  of  the  tower. 

Again  extending  her  hand  to  him,  Margaret 
said :  "  How  happy  I  am  over  this  meeting, 
Mr.  Coleshill,  I  can  hardly  tell  you." 

"  It  is  the  happiest  event  of  my  life,"  Robert 
truthfully  responded.  "  May  I  accompany 
you  to  the  woods  ?  I  never  had  the  pleasure  of 
setting  foot  on  any  part  of  Trevisick  estate." 

41 


OWL    TOWER 

"  And  my  venture  to-day  is  the  first  time  I 
have  ever  trespassed  on  Trewhiddle,"  Margaret 
replied. 

"  If  I  meet  with  no  opposition  in  my  first 
venture,  I  will  be  doubly  happy,"  Robert 
resumed. 

Having  assisted  each  other  over  the  hedge 
separating  the  two  estates,  the  young  couple 
wended  their  way  through  the  forest. 

They  had  not  walked  far  when  they  met  a 
doe  with  its  fawn.  The  mother  gazed  at  the 
intruders  for  a  moment,  and  then  ran  bleating 
into  the  underbrush.  Margaret  stooped  to 
fondle  the  fawn,  which  was  too  young  to  fol- 
low. While  she  was  thus  occupied  a  loud 
crackling  of  the  underbrush  was  heard,  and 
before  they  could  realize  their  danger,  a  stag, 
followed  by  the  deer,  bounded  in  their  midst, 
and  with  lowered  antlers  made  a  dash  for 
Robert. 

He  quickly  seized  the  enraged  animal  by  the 
horns,  and  though  it  reared  and  plunged  and 
butted  at  him  with  all  its  savage  strength,  the 
youth — incited  to  mighty  action  for  the  safety 
of  her  beside  him — strained  his  muscles  to  the 
bursting  point,  and  at  last  with  one  heroic 

42 


OWL    TOWER 

effort  threw  the  animal  with  such  force  that  it 
straightway  struggled  to  its  feet,  and  with 
cowed  aspect  and  protruding  tongue  limped 
away. 

"Are  you  hurt,  Mr.  Coleshill? "  Margaret 
anxiously  inquired;  going  up  to  him  and  wip- 
ing the  traces  of  the  struggle  from  off  his  face. 

"  Only  in  thought,  Miss  Trevisick ;  my  first 
venture  on  Trevisick  estate  has  met  with  severe 
opposition." 

"  I  am  so  sorry,  Mr.  Coleshill,"  Margaret 
dolefully  replied. ,..  "  Is  it  not  a  good  omen  that 
you  conquered? " 

"  I  momentarily  forgot,"  he  answered;  "  you 
can  make  it  so,  Miss  Trevisick,  if  you  will." 

As  she  extended  her  dainty  hand  to  him  at 
parting,  he  looked  lovingly  into  her  eyes,  and 
she  returned  his  gaze  unflinchingly. 


43 


CHAPTER   VI 

WHEN  a  man  is  born  into  this  world  already 
comfortably  provided  with  a  competence,  and 
has  no  necessity  for  puzzling  himself  how  to 
keep  up  the  supply,  his  thoughts  are  untram- 
meled  with  the  forebodings  usually  attending 
him  who  has  to  continue  in  harness  from  day 
to  day ;  and  he  has  no  proper  conception  of  the 
terrible  anxiety  involved.  Nevertheless,  such 
a  man's  thoughts  must  have  sway  in  some 
channel,  and  generally  they  run  into  those  of 
an  ambitious  character.  A  man  so  placed 
likes  to  feel  that  his  importance — by  right  of 
birth — is  properly  appreciated  by  his  fellow- 
men  not  so  favorably  situated. 

The  ambition  of  most  men  thus  happily  pro- 
vided for  is  usually  satisfied  with  a  title;  but 
when  a  man  finds  himself  robbed  of  his  title, 
and  has  to  look  back  several  generations  to  find 
the  cause,  he  is  apt  sooner  or  later  to  be  dis- 
satisfied with  his  lot.  Such  had  very  recently 
become  the  condition  of  Squire  John  Coleshill. 

Why  a  title  should  be  at  all  necessary  to  him 

44 


OWL     TOWER 

who  had  lived  so  many  years  very  comfortably 
without  it,  and  how  it  came  about  that  he 
should  ultimately  discover  the  want  of  it,  are 
matters  for  future  revelation ;  but  certain  it  is, 
Squire  John  did  come  to  feel  the  need  of  a 
title. 

Through  all  his  life  Squire  John  had  been 
highly  satisfied  with  the  worldly  condition  he 
was  born  unto,  and  was  a  model  husband  and 
an  indulgent  parent.  He  always  carried  him- 
self with  deportment,  and  was  dignified  up  to 
that  stage  which  stops  short  of  a  title. 

The  villagers  had  an  affection  for  him,  for 
he  was  always  assisting  the  needy ;  but  when  it 
came  to  the  real  display  of  humble  obeisance 
and  servile  prostration,  Squire  John  felt  it  was 
bestowed  on  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick ;  and  he  was 
right. 

"  Now,"  said  Squire  John,  "  take  away  the 
title  from  Sir  Joseph  and  add  it  to  my  name, 
and  immediately  the  villagers  will  transfer 
their  servility  to  me  unmindful  of  the  past." 
In  that  he  was  correct  also. 

Squire  John's  longing  for  a  title  was  com- 
mendable, looking  at  it  from  a  paternal  point 
of  view.  It  is  doubtful  if  its  possession  would 

45 


OWL    TOWER 

change  his  dignity,  or  allow  him  to  accept  the 
humble  obeisance  of  the  villagers,  for  his  man- 
ner of  life  was  too  firmly  established. 

Robert  Coleshill — after  leaving  Margaret 
Trevisick — was  so  overjoyed  at  the  happy 
sequel  of  meeting  her  that  he  took  the  first  op- 
portunity of  communicating  it  to  his  father. 

Squire  John  was  so  agreeably  surprised  over 
the  disclosures  that  he  brought  his  hand  down 
on  his  thigh  with  a  slap  that  made  him  wince. 

r<  Well  done,  my  boy,  well  done ! "  he  ex- 
claimed. "  As  for  the  old  tower,  I  wish  she 
had  knocked  the  foundation  from  under  it." 

"  She  came  very  nearly  doing  it,"  replied 
Robert,  "although  she  is  dreadfully  put  out 
about  it." 

"  I  will  have  it  torn  down  at  once,"  said  the 
old  gentleman. 

"  Not  so,  father;  Miss  Trevisick  is  anxious 
that  it  remain;  it  affords  a  magnificent  view  of 
the  country.  I  have  already  put  a  force  at 
work  to  repair  the  damage." 

"  She's  a  stunner — a  nice  girl,  I  should  say," 
exclaimed  Squire  John,  correcting  himself. 

"A  very  delightful  young  lady,"  com- 
mented Robert. 

46 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Do  you  know,  Robert,  I  feel  the  loss  of 
that  title;  if  I  had  it,  nothing  in  the  world 
would  prevent  you  from  engaging  yourself  to 
Miss  Trevisick,  not  even  the  old  feud;  as  it  is, 
I  feel  her  father  will  oppose  it  to  the  bitter  end. 
I  wish  you  every  success.  Be  manful,  be 
brave,  and  " — pointing  to  the  pictures — "  re- 
member this." 

Robert  glanced  at  the  pictures,  and  leaving 
the  hall,  proceeded  in  the  direction  of  the 
tower,  where  he  spent  the  balance  of  the  day  in 
viewing  the  country  from  its  summit,  and  in 
watching  the  men  at  their  work  of  restoring 
the  steps.  As  he  stood  on  the  outer  steps  one 
of  the  workmen  handed  him  a  ring,  saying  he 
had  found  it  among  the  rubbish;  it  was  a 
lady's  ring  and  had  but  recently  been  worn. 
Robert  rewarded  the  man  and  placed  the  ring 
in  his  pocket. 


CHAPTER  VII 

AN  English  village  of  any  pretension  is  gen- 
erally considered  incomplete  without  an  inn; 
and  the  village  of  Trevisick,  being  considered 
of  importance  by  its  inhabitants,  boasted  of 
one,  and  one  only.  It  was  located  a  stone's 
throw  from  the  vicarage,  was  kept  by  Widow 
Hodge  of  pure  renown,  and  owned  by  Sir 
Joseph,  and  consequently  was  conducted  with 
great  propriety;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  Sir 
Joseph  did  not  hesitate  to  bow  to  the  widow  in 
passing,  and  even  the  old  vicar  would  stop  in 
on  occasion  to  take  a  sip  of  brandy. 

The  inn  had  been  the  evening  rendezvous  of 
the  old  tradesmen  of  the  village  from  time 
immemorial,  and  as  they  never  admitted  the 
younger  men  on  an  equal  footing,  a  small  room 
at  the  back  of  the  bar  had  been  set  apart  for 
their  exclusive  use.  There  were  eight  chairs  in 
this  room  all  told,  claimed  by  as  many  individ- 
uals, and  it  was  a  rare  occasion  for  either  of 
them  to  be  vacant  of  an  evening.  The  old  men 

4-8 


OWL    TOWER 

would  arrive  precisely  at  seven  o'clock,  and  sip 
their  grog,  and  smoke  their  long-stemmed  clay 
pipes,  and  keep  up  a  round  of  talk  which  never 
seemed  abated. 

There  was  very  little  business  at  the  inn  dur- 
ing the  daytime,  and  Saturday  night  was  in- 
variably the  busiest  time.  That  night  had  ar- 
rived, and  the  widow  was  busy  at  the  bar. 
The  eight  chairs  were  occupied,  and  the  old 
men  were  loading  their  pipes,  patiently  await- 
ing the  arrival  of  their  grog,  for  they  made  it 
a  point  never  to  commence — or  properly  speak- 
ing— never  to  resume  conversation  until  they 
were  fully  equipped. 

This  important  part  having  been  supplied, 
the  village  oracle,  Sam  Tredinnick,  opened  the 
conversation. 

"  Been  something  of  a  mystery  over  at  the 
Tower,  I  hear." 

The  old  men  bent  over  and  glanced  eagerly 
at  the  speaker,  for  although  the  blacksmith  and 
the  master  stone-mason  knew  as  much  about  it 
as  the  oracle,  they  were  as  anxious  to  hear  him 
as  the  others ;  and  indeed  much  of  their  conver- 
sation consisted  of  repetitions  and  resurrec- 
tions from  the  dead. 

49 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  hear,"  continued  Sam,  "  that  day  before 
yesterday,  which  is  Thursday,  right  in  bread 
daylight  rumbling  noises  were  heard  emanat- 
ing from  the  Tower,  and  that  huge  balls  which 
no  man  could  lift  flew  out  of  the  entrance  as 
though  shot  from  a  cannon;  and  finally  that  an 
explosion  occurred  tearing  the  steps  away  and 
well-nigh  upsetting  the  Tower.  It  was  so 
violent  the  owls  flew  in  every  direction ;  the  like 
was  never  seen  or  heard  before." 

"  It's  a  frightful  place  that,"  said  the  tailor; 
"  Squire  Coleshill  ought  to  be  petitioned  to  tear 
it  down,  or  something  worse  will  happen." 

"  Yes,"  continued  Sam,  ignoring  the  tailor, 
"my  daughter's  boy  had  been  sent  to  pick 
water-cress,  and  he  returned  without  any,  stat- 
ing the  ghosts  were  playing  Old  Nick  inside 
the  tower.  She  warmed  his  jacket,  thinking  he 
was  lying;  but  afterwards  I  found  it  was  true 
enough;  George  here  "  —pointing  at  the  stone- 
mason—"knows  something  about  it." 

Then  the  assembly  turned  their  gaze  upon 
the  stone-mason. 

'  Yes,"  said  that  individual,  "  young  Master 
Robert  asked  me  to  go  with  him  to  see  about  a 
job  he  wanted  done  at  the  Tower.  I  told  him 

50 


OWL     TOWER 

I  wanted  nothing  to  do  with  any  jobs  there,  not 
that  I  feared  for  myself,  but  my  family  had  to 
be  considered." 

"  That's  right,"  interjected  the  tailor. 

"  Then,"  continued  the  mason,  "  he  said  he 
would  keep  me  company  whilst  I  worked,  and 
also  give  me  a  bonus.  I  consented  at  last  on  con- 
dition he  kept  around,  but  refused  the  bonus. 
He  had  to  send  two  men  from  the  mansion  to 
assist  me,  for  I  couldn't  get  a  soul  to  go  there. 
It  was  certainly  an  awful  crash;  but  there  is  a 
deep  mystery  attached  to  it.  One  of  the  men 
picked  up  a  gold  ring  from  the  rubbish — a 
lady's  ring — and  gave  it  to  Master  Robert." 

"Murder!"  gasped  the  tailor  in  his  excite- 
ment, and  the  others  looked  at  the  mason  with 
jaws  distended. 

"  What  about  those  cannon  balls?  "  inquired 
the  oracle. 

"  I  forget  that  part  of  it,"  answered  the 
mason ;  "  we  found  embedded  way  down  in  the 
rubbish  a  large  round  stone  which  took  two  of 
us  to  lift." 

"  A  thunder-bolt,  I've  read  of  the  like," 
gasped  the  tailor. 

"  He  has  hit  it,"  said  another;  "  the  rumbling 

51 


OWL    TOWER 

was  the  thunder,  and  the  stone  was  the  bolt, 
and  it  just " 

"Bah!"  exclaimed  the  blacksmith,  "it  was 
that  old  ancestor  of  Squire  John's  with  his 
arquebuise;  don't  you  remember  how  he  shot 
t'other  ancestor  in  the  skull?  " 

"Another  thing,"  said  the  mason,  "young 
Master  Robert  was  up  and  down  the  Tower  all 
day  long,  and  each  time  he  brought  down  arms- 
ful  of  ivy;  it  is  queer  doings." 

"  This  part  of  the  world  is  getting  too 
ghostly  for  me,"  gasped  the  tailor. 

They  all  agreed  that  the  Tower  had  become  a 
menace  to  public  safety,  and  that  it  was  some- 
body's duty  to  notify  the  villagers  to  avoid  it 
more  carefully  than  ever  by  day,  and  never  to 
go  in  its  vicinity  by  night;  and  at  this  juncture 
the  clock  struck  eleven  and  they  departed  to 
their  respective  homes. 


CHAPTER   VIII 

MARGARET  TREVISICK'S  education  from  child- 
hood had  been  entrusted  to  the  care  of  a  gov- 
erness, who  still  remained  at  the  castle  to  im- 
part knowledge  to  Margaret's  younger  sisters. 

When  Margaret  reached  the  age  of  sixteen 
years  she  was  sent  to  a  seminary  at  Exeter, 
kept  by  the  Misses  Corey,  two  maiden  ladies, 
sisters,  whose  birthright  entitled  them  to  a  life 
of  luxury  and  ease,  but  whose  fortunes  had 
been  so  reduced  through  the  prodigality  of  a 
brother,  they  were  compelled  to  fall  back  on 
their  education  to  maintain  themselves.  In 
this  they  were  eminently  successful,  for  many 
of  the  nobility  being  acquainted  with  the  cir- 
cumstances, and  likewise  knowing  the  high 
standing  and  estimable  character  of  the  two 
ladies — who  moreover  had  passed  the  age  for 
matrimonial  alliances — had  no  scruple  in  com- 
mitting their  daughters  to  their  charge. 

The  Misses  Corey  used  one  business  card  in 
common,  on  which  was  neatly  engraved: 

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OWL    TOWER 

"  Miss  Jane  Corey, 

Miss  Mary  Corey, 
Young  Ladies'  Seminary,  for  im- 
parting useful  knowledge  to  daugh- 
ters of  the  Nobility.  French,  Music 
and  Drawing.  No  dancing.  No 
Callers.  Strictly  guarded." 

Both  these  worthy  ladies  were  very  tall  and 
gaunt.  They  wore  their  hair — which  was  gray 
on  the  one,  and  brown  on  the  other — flattened 
over  their  foreheads,  and  drawn  up  tightly  at 
the  back  to  the  top  of  the  head,  where  it  ter- 
minated in  a  cork-screw  coiffure  of  very 
moderate  proportions,  a  tortoise-shell  comb  of 
lyre  design,  acting  both  as  ornament  and  in- 
strument to  keep  it  in  place ;  two  curls  dangled 
from  the  coiffure  so  as  to  reach  just  below  the 
ears  on  either  side,  sometimes  they  lay  in  front, 
at  other  times  they  settled  on  the  ears  and  stuck 
out  horizontally  like  miniature  cannons.  They 
affected  the  fashion  of  the  Elizabethan  period, 
saving  that  the  fardingale  hoop  had  been  in- 
verted, and  instead  of  projecting  out  from  the 
waist-line,  it  presented  its  circumference  at  the 
bottom.  Their  facial  expressions  were  unal- 

54 


OWL    TOWER 

luring,  though  indicative  of  great  power  of 
command. 

Jane,  the  elder,  was  never  known  to  depart 
from  the  stern  rigidity  of  her  manner,  but 
Mary  sometimes  condescended  to  converse 
familiarly  with  certain  of  the  scholars  on  home- 
topics,  and  even  to  relax  into  a  smile  at  unusual 
exhilarating  occurrences. 

The  building  in  which  these  worthy  ladies 
imparted  knowledge,  and  lived  and  possibly 
dreamed,  was  located  in  the  vicinity  of  Queen's 
College. 

It  had  originally  been  an  old  mansion, 
and  was  fitted  up  on  its  lower  floor  to 
form  two  moderate-sized  schoolrooms,  a  din- 
ing-room, and  kitchen.  The  second  story  con- 
tained two  sitting-rooms,  and  the  remaining 
space,  including  the  third  story,  was  devoted 
to  sleeping  apartments.  The  contour  of  the 
building  was  severely  plain,  the  front  being  re- 
lieved only  by  a  portico  which  opened  unto  a 
small  plot  of  ground  neither  lawn  nor  garden, 
but  containing  the  unimproved  elements  of 
both ;  for  the  grass  grew  in  tufts,  and  the  shrubs 
had  long  passed  the  budding  stage  of  their 
existence.  A  high  cob-wall  formed  the  bound- 

55 


OWL    TOWER 

ary  of  the  entrance  path  on  the  outer  side,  and 
the  line  of  demarcation  of  the  inner  side  was 
partly  set  off  by  straggling  box-wood,  and 
partly  by  whitewashed  stones.  The  path 
led  around  to  the  back  entrance,  a  side  path 
affording  egress  to  the  front  or  portico  en- 
trance. 

It  was  in  this  desolate-looking  place  that 
Margaret  completed  her  education.  It  is  not 
to  be  inferred,  however,  that  the  lives  of  the 
pupils  were  spent  in  conformity  with  the  en- 
vironments, for  where  youth  and  beauty  as- 
semble, the  natural  inclinations  will  have 
sway. 

During  the  hours  of  school  a  rigid  applica- 
tion was  devoted  to  the  lessons  and  to  the  edu- 
cational harangues  of  the  two  old  maids, 
for  the  latter  would  not  tolerate  the  slightest 
deviation  from  the  principles  adopted  by 
them. 

The  two  sisters  divided  their  labors,  and  on 
account  of  the  presence  of  maps  and  other 
material  necessary  for  the  exploitation  of  the 
different  stages  of  learning,  the  pupils  were 
compelled  to  change  from  one  room  to  the 
other,  and  this  was  the  only  diversion  they  had 

56 


OWL    TOWER 

during  school  hours;  it  was  possible  then  for 
them  to  impart  a  smile  or  even  to  give  a  mali- 
cious pinch,  as  the  spirit  moved  them. 

Drawing  was  presided  over  by  Jane  Corey, 
and  music  by  Mary,  and  it  was  in  a  great 
measure  on  account  of  this  wise  selection  that 
the  success  of  the  school  depended,  for  the 
more  than  stern  disposition  of  the  one  was 
counterbalanced  by  the  even  temper  of  the 
other. 

After  school  hours,  however,  the  girls  threw 
off  the  yoke  of  submission,  and  retiring  to  their 
rooms  indulged  in  all  sorts  of  boisterous 
amusement.  It  was  useless  for  Jane  Corey 
(her  sister  never  interfered  in  these  innocent 
revelries)  to  knock  at  their  doors  and  command 
silence;  it  modified  for  a  moment,  but  as  soon 
as  the  girls  discovered  her  departure,  by  the 
usual  method  of  peeping  over  the  bannisters, 
the  tumult  resumed. 

The  two  sisters  chaperoned  their  pupils  in 
all  their  walks  and  shopping,  and  it  was  under- 
stood that  whoever  disobeyed. this  all-important 
rule  was  to  be  immediately  reported. to  their 
parents  for  the  latters'  action  in  the  matter. 
If  any  of  their  relatives  came  on  a  visit,  they 

57 


OWL    TOWER 

were  not  admitted  unless  known,  saving  in  the 
presence  of  one  of  the  sisters. 

When  they  took  their  walks  abroad  through 
the  city  they  walked  three  in  a  row;  Jane 
walked  abreast  of  the  first  row  and  Mary  at 
the  rear,  so  that  flirtations  in  any  way  might 
be  guarded  against.  Their  walks  in  the  coun- 
try, however,  were  not  so  guarded,  and  they 
walked  and  conversed  to  suit  themselves,  and 
even  did  such  mortifying  things — to  Jane 
Corey,  at  least — as  climbing  the  hedges  and 
low  trees  to  get  at  the  blossoms;  in  this  no 
amount  of  reprimand  could  withhold  them. 

The  culinary  affairs  of  this  establishment 
were  conducted  on  the  most  rigid  economy, 
why,  it  will  never  be  satisfactorily  explained. 
It  was  not  to  be  inferred  that  either  of  the 
pupils  had  been  subjected  to  it  in  their  previous 
experience,  or  would  be  reduced  to  the  neces- 
sity of  practising  it  in  their  subsequent  lives; 
yet  Jane  Corey — who  superintended  that  all- 
important  part  of  the  girls'  welfare — exhibited 
a  parsimony  altogether  out  of  proportion  to 
the  necessity  of  inculcating  that  useful  art. 
Consequently  it  resulted  in  the  girls  being  com- 
pelled to  devote  a  goodly  portion  of  their  pin- 

58 


OWL    TOWER 

money  in  providing  food  for  their  rebellious 
stomachs,  and  in  this  they  were  aided  and 
abetted  by  the  servants,  who  bought  crackers 
and  cheese,  and  even  cold  tripe,  and  cow-heels 
— a  luxury  almost  unknown  to  the  wealthy- 
entered  into  the  articles  of  consumption,  and 
were  stored  in  hat-boxes  in  one  of  the  bedrooms 
for  more  easy  access. 

There  was  a  certain  dish  in  this  establishment 
highly  esteemed  by  Jane  Corey,  as  evidenced 
by  the  frequency  with  which  it  reappeared,  but 
which  was  looked  upon  with  loathing  by  the 
girls.  It  consisted  of  a  combination  of  sliced 
potatoes,  chopped  turnips,  and  bits  of  salt 
bacon,  highly  seasoned  with  pepper,  the  whole 
being  dexterously  encased  in  dough,  and  placed 
in  a  dish  to  bake. 

This  dish  had  been  christened  by  Margaret 
Trevisick  as  "  Poor  Man's  Pie,"  and  was  once 
the  cause  of  hilarious  diversion  during  school 
hours.  As  the  classes  were  changing  from  one 
room  to  the  other,  Margaret  took  the  oppor- 
tunity to  utter  "  Poor  Man's  Pie  to-day,"  which 
set  those  who  overheard  her  into  fits  of 
laughter.  Jane  Corey,  ever  on  the  alert  to 
guard  against  indecorum,  demanded  the  cause 

59 


OWL    TOWER 

of  the  unseemingly  conduct,  and  Margaret 
answered:  "  I  thoughtlessly  whispered,  '  Poor 
Man's  Pie.' " 

"  Please  go  to  your  room,  Miss  Trevisick," 
said  Jane  Corey,  "  and  await  the  bell  calling 
you  to  that  repast." 

Margaret,  still  enveloped  in  laughter,  retired 
to  one  of  the  sitting-rooms  on  the  second  floor, 
and  was  heralded  as  a  martyr  by  the  other  girls 
when  they  returned  to  dress  for  dinner. 

"  You  can  have  my  share,  girls,"  exclaimed 
Jane  Valtort. 

"  And  mine!  and  mine!  and  mine! "  shouted 
as  many  girls  in  chorus. 

"  What  have  we  good  in  the  larder?  "  asked 
Lillipopo  Isandlana,  a  tall,  graceful,  laughing 
brunette. 

"  Nothing  but  dry  bread  and  pickled  onions," 
answered  another. 

'  There  is  nothing  to  do  but  submit  to  the 
inevitable,"  exclaimed  Jane  Valtort,  and  going 
up  to  Margaret,  she  threw  her  arms  around  her 
neck,  and  kissed  her  on  each  cheek,  saying: 
"  Come,  my  dear  Margaret,  I  wouldn't  worry 
over  such  a  simple  thing,  nobody  cares." 

Jane  Valtort  was  the  daughter  of  Edmund 
60 


OWL    TOWER 

Valtort,  a  prominent  barrister  of  Lincoln's  Inn 
Fields,  London,  whose  country  residence  was 
in  Rutland.  She  was  a  bright  little  lady  of 
exquisite  mould,  and  Margaret  and  she  had 
endeared  themselves  to  each  other  so  that  they 
were  almost  inseparable. 

"Come  away  from  her,  Jane!"  exclaimed 
Lillipopo  Isandlana ;  "  the  school  days  will  soon 
be  over,  and  I  have  hardly  had  a  chance  to  dis- 
cover whether  Margaret  uses  cosmetics  or  not," 
and  amid  the  laughter  this  remark  provoked, 
the  beautiful  girl  forced  Jane  Valtort  aside, 
and  placing  her  arms  around  Margaret's  waist 
gave  her  such  an  embrace  that  she  groaned 
aloud,  which  created  another  outburst  of 
laughter. 

"  Now  leave  Margaret  and  me  together, 
girls;  we  are  going  to  fast  to-day;  "  and  after 
they  were  left  alone,  Lillipopo  again  clasped 
Margaret  in  her  arms,  saying :  "  My  dear,  when 
I  leave  here  I  will  go  so  far  away  from  you,  I 
may  never  expect  to  see  you  again.  All  the 
relations  I  have  in  this  world,  so  far  as  I  know, 
are  in  the  vicinity  of  Natal.  I  have  learned  to 
love  you  very  deeply,  and  that  is  all  of  you  I 
can  take  with  me.  I  long  for  somebody  to 

61 


OWL    TOWER 

love  me,  and  I  have  resolved  to  make  love  to 
the  first  man  I  meet,  who  appeals  to  my  heart 
as  suitable  to  me." 

"How  wickedly  you  talk,  Lillipopo;  you 
surely  don't  mean  what  you  say?  " 

"  I  don't  suppose  I  could  do  such  an  unlady- 
like thing,  Margaret;  I  simply  talk  that  way 
because  I  feel  the  necessity  of  a  sympathetic 
soul,  somebody  who  understands  the  longing 
of  my  heart." 

"  I  trust  you  will  discover  such  a  soul,  Lilli- 
popo, and  when  you  do,  that  you  will  be  forever 
happy." 

At  last  the  time  arrived  for  the  breaking  up 
of  school  for  the  holidays.  Many  were  leav- 
ing to  take  more  important  duties  in  the  world, 
never  to  return;  and  many  were  the  heart-rend- 
ing tears  shed  as  the  girls  discovered  the  sorrow 
of  parting. 

The  girls  kissed  the  Misses  Corey  and  when 
Margaret  fulfilled  her  part  of  this  farewell, 
she  said:  'You  will  not  feel  aggrieved  to- 
wards me  concerning  '  Poor  Man's  Pie  '  ?  " 

"  Not  now,  Miss  Trevisick,"  answered  Jane 
Corey,  "  but  decorum  must  be  preserved  dur- 
ing school  hours." 

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OWL    TOWER 

Mary  Corey  requested  the  girls  to  notify 
her  when  any  of  them  might  marry,  as  she  kept 
a  diary  of  every  girl  who  attended  their  school. 
'  We  do  not  desire  a  long  or  close  correspond- 
ence," she  said,  "  because  our  duties  are  so 
exacting  it  would  be  impossible  to  attend  to  it ; 
but  we  like  to  feel  that  everyone  who  has 
finished  her  education  here  realizes  the  fruits 
of  our  teachings." 

At  last  it  came  Jane  Valtort's  time  to  bid 
good-by  to  Margaret. 

"  My  dear,  I  don't  know  what  to  say  to  you," 
said  the  little  lady  with  the  tears  streaming 
down  her  cheeks.  "  All  the  kissing  I  have 
given  you  to-day  does  not  satisfy  me,  and  my 
heart  feels  like  a  stone.  Would  your  parents 
let  you  visit  me  for  a  few  weeks?  " 

"  I  am  afraid  not,  Jane,"  said  Margaret, 
drawing  her  boon  companion  to  her  lap;  "  I 
will  plead  with  my  father;  meanwhile  we  will 
keep  up  a  close  correspondence,  will  we  not? " 

"  Indeed  we  will,"  and  Jane  again  hugged 
and  kissed  her  friend. 

"  And  above  all,  when  you  are  engaged,  tell 
me  what  he  is  like,  will  you?  and  I  will  do  like- 
wise." 


OWL     TOWER 

"  Yes,  I  will  gladly  tell  you  all,"  Jane 
replied. 

And  then  the  two  friends  parted,  each  one 
feeling  that  a  most  bitter  calamity  had  befallen 
her. 


64, 


CHAPTER   IX 

WHETHER  Lady  Trevisick  was  too  unsym- 
pathetic for  her  better  educated  and  more 
liberal-minded  daughter  to  fully  confide  with, 
will  remain  an  open  question.  It  is  certain, 
however,  that  Margaret  invariably  confided 
with  her  father.  One  reason  perhaps  was,  that 
as  Sir  Joseph  superintended  all  the  affairs  of 
his  household — Lady  Trevisick  never  having 
troubled  herself  therewith — it  was  natural  for 
Margaret  to  look  upon  him  as  the  proper  au- 
thority. Be  it  as  it  may,  Margaret,  like  a  duti- 
ful daughter,  sought  her  father  immediately 
after  leaving  Robert  Coleshill,  and  explained 
to  him  all  that  had  transpired  since  she  left  him 
asleep  in  the  drawing-room. 

Sir  Joseph  was  seated  in  the  library,  and  as 
Margaret  recited  her  adventures  to  him,  he 
gazed  upon  her  in  profound  astonishment.  He 
fairly  knitted  his  brows,  and  as  she  concluded, 
he  arose  and  thrusting  his  hands  in  his  pockets, 
walked  towards  a  window  and  looked  out  upon 

65 


OWL     TOWER 

the  lawn,  evidently  too  much  surprised  at  the 
sudden  revelation  made  to  him  to  make  im- 
mediate reply. 

Finally  he  turned  around,  and  coming  near 
to  where  Margaret  stood,  spoke  to  her  with 
considerable  emphasis. 

"Margaret,  I  don't  like  this  adventure  of 
yours.  In  the  first  place  it  is  a  breach  of  the 
discipline  involved  in  this  house  for  several  gen- 
erations; and  in  the  next  place,  it  is  a  very 
irregular  way  of  getting  introduced  to  a  young 
gentleman,  even  if  he  were  eligible,  which  Mr. 
Coleshill  very  decidedly  is  not.  I  am  not 
speaking  from  a  moral  standpoint,  for  I  have 
no  reason  to  doubt  his  standing  as  a  gentleman 
of  honor ;  but  aside  from  the  natural  antipathy 
this  house  bears  to  the  house  of  Coleshill,  the 
latter  has  no  title ;  and  I  will  not  tolerate  for  a 
moment  the  lapsing  of  the  glory  handed  down 
to  me  unimpaired,  for  so  many  generations, 
by  an  alliance  of  a  daughter  of  mine  to  any 
man  without  a  title." 

It  was  the  first  time  Margaret  had  ever  been 
angrily  addressed  by  her  father,  and  she  col- 
ored deeply;  and  as  he  walked  away  from  her, 
she  said: 

66 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Papa,  I  am  very  sorry  for  my  mis- 
take. I  had  no  expectation  of  meeting  Mr. 
Coleshill,  and  so  far  as  affection  for  him  is 
concerned,  it  would  be  a  novelty  indeed." 

"  It  is  too  early  for  you  to  know,"  responded 
Sir  Joseph;  "country  environment  usually 
leads  to  spontaneous  attachments  without  due 
consideration  of  the  consequences." 

'  Tell  me,  papa,  is  it  righteous  to  harbor  a 
feud  against  those  who  are  innocent  of  the 
cause,  and  whose  lives  are  known  to  be  as  hon- 
orable as  our  own?  The  divine  law  reads, 
'  Love  ye  one  another  as  brethren.' ' 

'  That  law  is  difficult  to  carry  out  in  prac- 
tice," answered  Sir  Joseph  with  a  somewhat 
milder  bearing,  for  he  began  to  realize  that  his 
daughter  perceived  the  injustice  of  the  ban 
laid  upon  her. 

"  It  would  be  so  much  happier  for  both  fam- 
ilies to  have  a  speaking  acquaintance,"  sug- 
gested Margaret  meekly. 

"  If  it  would  end  there,"  replied  Sir  Joseph, 
"  but  you  do  not  understand  the  difficulties. 
That  old  Tower  has  stood  menacing  me  from 
boyhood,  so  that  I  am  kept  away  from  the  most 
enjoyable  part  of  my  estate.  Then  again  I  do 

67 


OWL    TOWER 

not  care  to  humble  myself  to  an  untitled  person 
by  making  acknowledgments." 

"  Could  it  not  be  done  without  reference  to 
the  past?  Mr.  Robert  Coleshill  asserted  that 
so  far  as  he  is  concerned  the  feud  ended  this 
very  day." 

"  Of  course  he  did,"  replied  Sir  Joseph  sig- 
nificantly; "  but  it  is  Squire  Coleshill's  duty  to 
come  to  me,  if  he  desires  to  reconcile  the  two 
houses,  and  that  I  know  he  will  not  do;  and  I 
will  not  go  to  him." 

"Will  it  answer  if  Robert  comes?"  asked 
Margaret  anxiously. 

"  Decidedly  not,"  replied  Sir  Joseph. 

"  Then  it  will  be  left  for  Robert  and  me  to 
do  so,  papa,  after  you  are  dead." 

Sir  Joseph  instantly  divined  there  was  no 
preventing  that  from  taking  place,  and  angrily 
retorted:  "Margaret,  I  want  you  to  abstain 
from  all  communication  with  Robert  Coleshill, 
and  to  realize  at  once  the  impossibility  of  ally- 
ing yourself  to  anybody  other  than  a  titled  per- 
sonage, whose  selection  must  be  agreeable,  if 
indeed  he  is  not  altogether  chosen  by  me." 
Saying  this,  Sir  Joseph  left  the  room. 

Margaret  sat  in  a  despondent  mood  for  sev- 
68 


OWL     TOWER 

eral  minutes,  then  she  went  to  her  escritoire, 
and  indited  a  long  letter  to  Jane  Valtort,  full 
of  affection,  and  relating  her  adventure,  and 
her  father's  subsequent  displeasure  in  regard 
thereto. 


CHAPTER   X 

SUNDAY  had  arrived,  and  Squire  John  Coles- 
hill,  like  a  good  Christian  gentleman — for  he 
himself  had  said  it — accompanied  his  family  to 
church.  Robert  walked  beside  him,  while  his 
wife  and  daughters  took  the  lead  some  steps 
ahead.  The  family  usually  walked  to  church, 
for,  as  Squire  John  remarked,  riding  did  not 
indicate  a  lowly  spirit. 

They  passed  by  the  old  Tower  on  their  way, 
and  Squire  John  continuing  his  remarks  said: 
'  There  it  stands,  Robert,  frowning  upon  Mar- 
garet and  her  father." 

"  Margaret  likes  its  frowning  battlements," 
Robert  replied. 

"  I  am  glad  of  it,"  said  the  Squire ;  "  nothing 
would  do  my  declining  years  so  much  good  as 
to  know  you  were  united ;  but  the  absence  of  a 
title  is  the  impediment." 

"Here  they  come!"  said  Robert  in  a  whisper, 
and  as  they  turned  a  bend  in  the  road,  Lady 
Trevisick  and  her  younger  daughters  appeared 
in  view,  followed  by  Sir  Joseph  and  Margaret. 

70 


OWL    TOWER 

"  We  will  run  right  into  them,"  said  Squire 
John ;  "  slow  up  a  bit  until  they  reach  the  turn." 

"  Not  so,  father,"  replied  Robert;  "  we  have 
been  too  slow  already;  it  is  that  hanging  back 
that  has  kept  us  isolated." 

;<  What  will  you  do?  "  asked  the  father. 

"  I  will  certainly  bow  to  them,"  answered 
the  son. 

"  I  don't  propose  to  be  dragged  into  any 
such  submission,"  exclaimed  Squire  John  ex- 
citedly, his  old  ire  returning  to  him. 

"  Now,  father,  you  will  spoil  what  I  have  al- 
ready accomplished;  forget  Sir  Joseph,  and 
think  you  are  bowing  to  Margaret." 

"  That's  different,"  said  the  Squire;  "  I  can 
do  that  with  a  good  grace." 

The  two  families  met,  and  Mrs.  Coleshill  and 
her  daughters  turned  the  bend  without  any 
sign  of  recognition,  but  Robert  and  his  father 
stopped  to  let  Lady  Trevisick  and  her 
daughters  pass,  and  took  off  their  hats  in  do- 
ing so,  repeating  the  latter  courtesy  as  Sir 
Joseph  and  Margaret  followed. 

Sir  Joseph,  true  to  good  breeding,  took  off 
his  hat  and  actually  bowed,  while  Margaret 
imparted  a  smile  as  she  bowed  to  Robert. 

71 


OWL    TOWER 

Squire  John  pinched  his  son's  arm  and 
whispered:  "By  George,  that  was  easy 
enough,  and  makes  me  feel  quite  pleasant  and 
familiar." 

Sir  Joseph  remarked  to  his  daughter: 
"  Young  Robert  Coleshill  has  a  dignified  bear- 
ing." 

"  I  am  proud  to  hear  you  say  so,  papa." 

"  I  don't  want  you  to  forget  my  injunctions 
though,  Margaret,"  he  added. 

And  so  at  last  the  two  families  reached  the 
old  church  and  occupied  the  same  family  pews 
their  forefathers  had  done. 

The  door  of  Squire  John's  pew  still  bore  a 
fac-simile  of  the  insignia  which  his  ancestors 
owned  before  the  title  was  abrogated,  for  no 
person  dared  to  commit  the  sacrilege  of  robbing 
it  from  the  church ;  and  so  it  remained,  a  weekly 
reminder  to  Squire  John  of  what  he  had  lost. 
This  Sabbath  day  he  stopped  on  reaching  the 
door,  and  traced  his  finger  around  the  insignia. 
The  villagers  who  observed  the  action  thought 
he  was  removing  the  dust  therefrom;  and  old 
Nancy  Harris,  who  cleaned  the  church,  went 
up  to  it  after  they  had  left  and  brushed  the 
dust  away  until  it  shone. 

72 


OWL    TOWER 

The  old  vicar  selected  as  his  text,  "  Be  ye 
kind  one  to  another,  tender  hearted,  forgiving 
one  another,  even  as  God  for  Christ's  sake  hath 
forgiven  you."  He  expatiated  on  the  impor- 
tance of  forgiveness  in  order  to  reach  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  The  sermon  was  eloquent  in 
its  way,  and  it  could  not  have  been  more  applic- 
able to  the  two  houses  of  Coleshill  and  Trevi- 
sick  had  it  been  designed  intentionally  for 
them. 

There  is  no  doubt  both  Sir  Joseph  and  Squire 
John  felt  the  full  force  of  the  sermon,  and  if 
the  old  vicar  had  thought  to  bring  them  to- 
gether after  the  services,  the  reconciliation 
would  have  been  complete ;  but  he  did  not,  and 
they  again  retired  to  their  respective  house- 
holds. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  village  used  great  de- 
corum— to  use  Jane  Corey's  expression — on 
Sundays,  and  outside  of  a  walk  on  the  country 
roads,  indulged  in  no  frivolities. 

Old  Ben  Judd  rarely  left  his  home  after  at- 
tending church,  but  on  this  particular  Sunday 
afternoon  he  left  his  wife  clandestinely  and 
strolled  away  alone.  Later  in  the  day  he  could 
be  seen  walking  around  the  base  of  Owl  Tower, 

73 


OWL    TOWER 

sometimes  poking  a  stick  into  the  cracks  and 
crannies,  at  other  times  standing  back  with  his 
arms  akimbo,  gazing  towards  the  top  of  the 
structure. 

"  Upon  my  life,"  he  said,  "  it  looks  as  though 
it  was  falling  over  upon  me."  And  indeed  the 
tower  had  that  peculiarity  that  upon  stretch- 
ing back  the  neck  to  gaze  at  its  summit,  it 
seemed  to  be  moving. 

After  bringing  his  head  back  to  its  normal 
position,  old  Ben  again  assayed  the  experiment. 
"  It  is  falling  this  way  as  sure  as  I  stand  here," 
he  exclaimed,  and  hastening  around  to  the 
entrance  side,  he  again  stretched  his  neck  back- 
wards, with  the  result  that  he  said:  "  Now  it 
is  falling  this  way,"  and  after  trying  the  four 
sides  of  its  base  with  the  same  result,  he  ex- 
claimed: "  It  is  falling  every  way,  and  some 
day  there  will  be  a  great  crash." 

Ben  Judd  had  a  peculiar  way  of  gesticulat- 
ing as  he  talked.  He  had  been  so  accustomed 
to  use  the  hammer  during  his  conversation,  as 
he  saved  half  the  labor  and  made  all  the  prof- 
its, that  he  could  not  relinquish  the  habit  when 
he  was  away  from  the  shop;  so  as  he  spoke  he 
emphazied  his  remarks  by  giving  quick  alter- 

74 


OWL    TOWER 

nate  blows  with  his  closed  fist  into  the  palm  of 
the  other. 

It  so  happened  that  Sir  Joseph,  influenced 
probably  by  the  sermon,  had  likewise  strolled 
to  the  border  of  his  estate  directly  opposite  the 
Tower — something  he  had  never  done  before. 
He  espied  the  blacksmith,  and  observing  his 
peculiar  actions,  it  interested  him  to  the  point 
of  open  curiosity,  for  he  came  to  the  hedge 
and  called  to  Ben. 

Old  Ben  was  astonished  to  find  he  had  been 
observed,  and  particularly  so  when  he  discov- 
ered who  that  observer  was ;  but  he  hastened  to 
the  fence,  and  touching  his  hat,  said :  '  Your 
servant,  Sir  Joseph." 

Sir  Joseph  returned  the  courtesy   and  said: 

"  What  did  you  see,  Judd?  " 

"  Whichever  way  I  look  at  that  Tower,  Sir 
Joseph,  it  appears  to  be  falling  over  on  top  of 
me." 

"  It  is  the  action  of  the  clouds,  probably," 
replied  Sir  Joseph,  "  or  possibly  your  brain 
swims  as  you  look  up." 

"  It  may  be  clouds,  Sir  Joseph,  but  my  brain 
ain't  trifled  with  a  bit;  howsoever  I  do  think 
that  cursed  Tower  should  come  down,  it's  a 

75 


OWL    TOWER 

menace  to  everybody.     The  women  folk  are 
afraid  to  pass  it  any  more." 

"  That  is  mere  superstition,"  replied  Sir 
Joseph ;  "  there  is  nothing  about  the  tower  that 
can  hurt  anybody." 

"  The  owls  are  there,"  persisted  Ben. 

"  I  tell  you,  Judd,  neither  the  tower  nor  the 
owls  will  hurt  anybody;  it  is  the  associations 
connected  with  it." 

"  Well,  it  is  better  out  of  the  way,  if  only  to 
remove  those  associations,"  answered  Ben 
bluntly. 

'  Those  could  be  removed  without  disturb- 
ing the  structure,"  said  Sir  Joseph;  "  I  can't 
say,  after  looking  at  it  closely,  that  I  dislike  it ; 
it  is  a  relic  of  bygone  days." 

"  It  keeps  you  and  Squire  John  from  grasp- 
ing friendly  hands,"  replied  Ben. 

'  That  is  our  business,  you  know,"  said  Sir 
Joseph. 

"So  it  is,  and  it  is  a  great  pity  you  don't 
come  together  like  men.  How  did  you  like  the 
vicar's  sermon? " 

Sir  Joseph  evidently  did  not  care  to  discuss 
the  subject,  for  he  turned  upon  his  heel  and 
walked  towards  the  castle. 

76 


Old  Ben  Judd  looked  at  his  retreating  figure 
and  said  to  himself:  '  There  will  be  no  more 
horses  to  shoe  for  Sir  Joseph,"  and  he  retraced 
his  steps  hastily  towards  his  little  cottage. 

Ben's  haste  would  be  looked  upon  as  unnec- 
essary under  the  circumstances,  but  it  was  soon 
explained,  for  he  entered  his  shop,  and  taking 
the  hammer  struck  the  anvil. 

Tink-a-link-a-link — "  I  have  said  it." 
Tink-a-link-a-link: — "  I  will  say  it  again." 
Tink-a-link-a-link: — "I  will  now  go  home 
and  repeat  it  to  Mary  Ann." 


77 


CHAPTER   XI 

AFTER  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick's  interview  with 
his  daughter  he  became  suspicious  lest  there 
might  be  clandestine  meetings  between  her  and 
Robert  Coleshill,  and  those  suspicions — al- 
though without  foundation — gave  rise  to  his 
watching  and  questioning  her  movements,  re- 
sulting in  a  coolness  between  them. 

Margaret  readily  discovered  the  suspicion 
hanging  over  her,  and  it  made  her  extremely 
unhappy;  and  she  was  careful  that  her  actions 
were  such  as  not  to  increase  her  father's  resent- 
ment towards  her. 

She  had  not  expected  that  any  feeling  would 
exist  in  her  bosom  for  Robert  Coleshill,  outside 
of  a  friendly  regard  such  as  the  young  have 
towards  each  other;  and  her  father's  reference 
to  a  deeper  attachment  was  received  by  her 
with  some  amusement;  but  after  several  days 
she  became  alarmed  to  find  that  her  thoughts 
constantly  reverted  to  their  meeting  in  the 
Tower,  and  when  she  saw  him  on  the  following 

78 


OWL     TOWER, 

Sunday,  her  heart  fluttered  and  the  blood  flew 
to  her  cheeks. 

After  several  weeks,  during  which  she  had 
no  opportunity  to  communicate  with  Robert 
Coleshill,  a  longing  so  possessed  her  she  de- 
cided again  to  visit  the  Tower. 

She  selected  an  afternoon  at  a  time  when 
her  father  usually  rested,  and  hastening  to  the 
tower,  ascended  to  the  top.  A  rustic  seat  had 
been  placed  there  since  her  last  visit,  and  on  it 
lay  a  book ;  deciding  to  remain  but  a  few  min- 
utes, she  wrote  her  name  in  pencil  on  the  fly 
leaf,  trembling  at  her  audacity,  and  began  the 
descent.  The  passage  had  been  entirely  cleared 
of  all  debris,  so  that  it  consumed  but  a  few 
minutes  in  making  the  journey  up  or  down. 
She  had  descended  but  a  few  steps,  when  she 
tripped,  and  falling  backwards  to  save  herself, 
her  body  came  in  contact  with  a  stone  which 
moved  inwards  with  the  pressure  against  it. 
Margaret  screamed  in  her  fright,  and  the  next 
moment  found  herself  lying  on  the  floor  of  a 
small  cell,  to  which  light  was  admitted  through 
an  embrasure  invisible  from  the  outside.  A 
few  stone  spheres  were  scattered  about  the  cell 
like  those  upon  the  roof,  and  her  curiosity  lead- 

79 


OWL    TOWER 

ing  her  to  explore  a  niche  in  the  wall,  she  with- 
drew a  small  metal  box  therefrom,  which  she 
concealed  about  her,  then  she  hastily  left  the 
cell  and  swung  the  stone  door  to  its  closed  posi- 
tion. A  few  minutes  later  and  she  entered  her 
home. 

Margaret's  departure  had  been  discovered  by 
Sir  Joseph,  and  he  watched  her  enter  the  tower 
and  shortly  after  leave  it.  His  mind  became 
impregnated  with  visions  of  the  past  trou- 
ble which  had  befallen  his  ancestry,  and  he 
determined  at  once  to  prevent  a  repetition 
of  it. 

He  first  directed  the  gamekeeper  to  watch 
the  tower  and  report  to  him  who  left  or  entered 
it,  and  withdrew  himself  to  the  castle. 

Margaret  immediately  on  returning  from 
the  tower,  went  to  her  room,  hid  the  metal  box, 
and  summoning  her  maid,  prepared  herself  for 
dinner. 

As  she  entered  the  drawing-room  Sir  Joseph 
cast  a  painful  glance  at  her,  but  Margaret, 
nothing  daunted,  went  up  to  him  and  kissed 
him,  but  he  returned  her  salute  very  coldly. 

At  dusk  the  gamekeeper  reported  to  Sir 
Joseph  that  Robert  Coleshill  had  entered  the 

80 


OWL    TOWER 

tower,  and  left  it  again  after  an  interval  of  an 
hour,  with  a  book  in  his  hand.  No  other  per- 
son had  come  near  the  place. 

The  following  day  Sir  Joseph  called  Mar- 
garet to  him  and  said:  "  My  dear,  I  want  you 
to  make  preparations  to  accompany  your 
mother  and  myself  to  London  for  a  few 
months'  sojourn." 

Margaret  had  never  visited  the  Metropolis, 
and  she  welcomed  the  command  with  keen  sat- 
isfaction; and  while  Grace  Biddle  was  oc- 
cupied in  packing  such  articles  of  apparel  as 
had  been  selected,  she  spent  some  time  in  writ- 
ing to  her  old  school  friend,  Jane  Valtort,  of 
her  intended  journey. 

Sir  Joseph  had  no  permanent  home  in  the 
city,  so  he  usually  rented  a  house  from  a  par- 
liamentary friend. 

For  a  few  days  Margaret  took  keen  delight 
in  the  sights  of  London ;  after  that  she  lost  all 
interest  in  them,  and  her  thoughts  reverted  to 
her  country  home,  and  Robert  Coleshill.  How 
she  longed  to  write  him  and  tell  him  of  her 
heart's  desire ! 

They  had  been  in  the  city  about  two  weeks, 
when  Margaret  received  an  introduction  to  Sir 

81 


OWL    TOWER 

Thomas  Trubody,  and  his  son  and  heir, 
Richard. 

Richard  Trubody  was  twenty-six  years  of 
age,  over  six  feet  in  height,  and  appeared  much 
taller  on  account  of  his  meagerness.  A  silk 
hat  which  he  invariably  wore  tended  to  increase 
the  delusion.  He  wore  a  monocle,  sometimes 
in  one  eye,  sometimes  in  the  other,  according  to 
the  hand  which  caught  it  first,  or  as  the  one  eye 
became  painful  to  him.  He  was  clothed  en- 
tirely in  black,  his  frock  coat  descending  to  his 
knees.  His  pointed  patent  leather  shoes  were 
partly  hidden  by  fawn-colored  gaiters.  Us- 
ually he  carried  a  cane  with  a  buck-horn 
handle,  curved  like  a  shepherd's  crook.  Above 
all,  he  was  very  closely  connected  in  mental  pro- 
clivities to  the  late  lamented  Lord  Dundreary. 

On  having  this  creature  introduced  to  her, 
Margaret  extended  her  hand  to  him.  Richard 
Trubody,  after  passing  his  cane  from  his  right 
hand  to  his  left,  gave  a  stoop  of  his  right 
shoulder,  and  bringing  his  hand  upwards, 
seized  Margaret's,  and  dangled  it  up  and  down, 
saying: 

"  Aw!  I  feel  privileged,  Miss  Trevisick,"  and 
then  he  relinquished  her  hand,  and  after  trans- 

82 


^ 


"Aw  !  I  feel  privileged,  Miss  Trevisick. 


OWL    TOWER 

ferring  his  shepherd's  crook  back  to  his  right 
hand,  stood  ogling  her. 

Margaret,  after  shaking  hands  with  him, 
replied  to  his  remarks  with  a  simple,  "  Thank 

you." 

Having  ogled  Margaret  to  his  satisfaction, 
Richard  Trubody  resumed:  "Aw!  I  will  be 
in  town  a  few  days,  Miss  Trevisick;  may  I 
have  the  pleasure  of  escorting  you  anywhere; 
to  the  theaters,  for  instance?  " 

"  I  must  refer  you  to  my  father  for  an 
answer,  Mr.  Trubody,"  Margaret  replied. 

"  Aw !  yes,  very  proper  indeed.  You  haven't 
visited  town  before,  I  presume?  " 

"  No,  and  I  have  no  desire  to  do  so  again ;  I 
prefer  the  country  air,  it  is  so  nice  and  clear." 

"  Aw!  yes,  here  it  is  nice  and  aw! " 

"  Foggy,"  suggested  Margaret. 

"  Aw!  yes,  nice  and  foggy;  very  good,  Miss 
Trevisick,  I  declare;  nice  and  foggy,  ha,  ha." 

Margaret  laughed,  too,  but  afterwards  she 
declared  to  Robert  Coleshill  that  she  blushed 
outwardly  and  inwardly  at  the  knowledge  that 
she  was  laughing  at  his  amusement  over  her 
own  ridiculous  mistake. 

"Aw!  I  think  a  few  days  in  your  society, 

83 


OWL    TOWER 

Miss  Trevisick,  will  send  me  back  home  quite 
enlightened  over  the  peculiarities  of  this  town." 

"  You  will  be  disappointed  in  your  expecta- 
tions," replied  Margaret,  already  taking  a 
dislike  to  him;  "for  the  fog  will  never  clear 
away  sufficiently  for  me  to  become  interested 
in  it." 

"Aw!  all  it  requires,  Miss  Trevisick,  is  a 
good  brisk  northeast  wind.  Aw,  if  you  will 
excuse  me  a  few  minutes,  I  will  confer  with 
Sir  Joseph ; "  and  he  again  passed  his  shep- 
herd's crook  to  his  left  hand,  gave  a  stoop  of 
his  right  shoulder,  and  walked  over  to  where 
Sir  Joseph  and  Sir  Thomas  were  deep  in  con- 
versation. 

Sir  Thomas  held  up  his  hand  to  his  son,  say- 
ing: "Leave  us  alone  just  one  moment 
longer,  Richard."  Then  resuming  his  conver- 
sation with  Sir  Joseph,  he  said: 

"  Now,  Sir  Joseph,  my  son — who  is  heir  to 
my  estate — has  attached  himself  to  some  girl 
or  other  without  a  title,  and  I  object  to  any 
such  departure  from  the  rule  of  my  ances- 
tors." 

'  That  is  exactly  the  case  with  my  daughter," 
interposed  Sir  Joseph;  "  at  least  I  am  inclined 

84 


OWL    TOWER 

to  believe  as  much;  and  the  reason  simply  is, 
there  are  no  other  eligible  young  men  near  my 
estate ;  none  with  a  title,  at  least ;  and  I  have  al- 
ready informed  my  daughter  that  a  title  is 
indispensable.'* 

"  Exactly,"  answered  Sir  Thomas.  "  So 
far  as  real  affection  is  concerned,  it  is  bound  to 
come  sooner  or  later,  whoever  they  marry." 

Sir  Joseph  made  no  reply  to  this  remark,  but 
he  shifted  uneasily  in  his  chair,  and  glanced  to- 
wards Margaret,  and  from  her  to  the  figure  of 
Richard  Trubody. 

"  Are  you  favorably  impressed  with  Rich- 
ard, Sir  Joseph? '  inquired  Sir  Thomas. 

"  He  is  different  in  appearance  from  any- 
body my  daughter  has  been  accustomed  to  see," 
answered  Sir  Joseph  dryly,  "  and  it  is  she  who 
must  be  impressed." 

"  You  know,  Sir  Joseph,  the  nobility ; — that 
is,  those  who  can  claim  any  long  line  of  ances- 
tors— are  invariably  different  from  anybody 
else ;  if  it  is  not  in  appearance,  it  is  in  their 
actions.  It  appears  to  be  a  wise  provision  of 
Providence  to  distinguish  them  from  the  rest. 
There  must  be  some  oddity  about  them  or  you 
can  make  up  your  mind  they  have  broken  the 

85 


OWL    TOWER 

rule,  and  married  without  a  title.  Richard  is 
all  right  mentally,  and  as  he  fills  out,  very  few 
members  of  the  house  of  Paliament  will  com- 
pare with  him." 

"  I  have  often  wished  I  had  a  male  heir," 
said  Sir  Joseph  melancholily ;  "  I  would  have 
been  saved  all  this  worriment." 

"How  long  do  you  propose  remaining  in 
the  city,  Sir  Joseph?  " 

"  If  this  matter  can  be  satisfactorily  ar- 
ranged between  us,  I  will  leave  to-morrow,  for 
I  miss  the  comforts  of  home." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  Richard  can  be  persuaded 
to  change  his  mind,"  said  Sir  Thomas ;  "  as 
soon  as  he  sees  the  advantage  of  the  match. 
Suppose  I  call  him  over,  " 

"  Well,"  was  all  Sir  Joseph  said. 

Richard  Trubody  having  seated  himself  be- 
side them,  his  father  addressed  him,  saying: 

"  Richard,  we  have  to  be  somewhat  plain  in 
our  remarks  to  you,  because  it  concerns  the 
momentous  question  of  your  future  happiness. 
Sir  Joseph's  daughter  has  become  secretly  at- 
tached to  a  young  man  without  a  title,  which  as 
you  know,  is  not  to  be  endured  for  a  moment. 
There  has  been  no  outward  demonstration  be- 

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OWL    TOWER 

tween  them,  but  Sir  Joseph  is  afraid  it  may 
break  out — like  the  smallpox — at  any  mo- 
ment." 

"  Aw!  certainly,"  Richard  commented. 

"  I  have  suggested  to  Sir  Joseph  that  you 
have  a  title,  and  are  otherwise  eligible  for  his 
daughter's  hand.  Before  he  consents,  how- 
ever, to  your  paying  your  addresses  to  her,  he 
insists  that  you  must  be  unequivocally  free 
from  all  other  attachments." 

"  Aw,  merely  a  passing  fancy,  that's  all." 
answered  Richard,  with  a  poor  attempt  at  a 
laugh. 

"  My  daughter  has  been  accustomed  to 
nothing  that  is  not  pure  and  noble,"  said  Sir 
Joseph,  "  and  I  will  not  lend  my  hand  to  any- 
thing that  will  contaminate  her  spotless  char- 
acter." 

"  Aw,  I  will  take  steps  to-day  to  put  an  end 
to  the  aw — passing  fancy,"  commented 
Richard. 

'  That  being  done,"  said  Sir  Joseph,  "  I  give 
my  consent  to  the  wooing  of  my  daughter;  of 
course  I  cannot  do  that  for  you." 

"  Aw,  no,  of  course  not,"  replied  Richard. 

"  I  will  assist  you,  however,"  said  Sir  Joseph, 
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OWL    TOWER 

"  by  influencing  her,  and  if  that  won't  do,  by 
using  my  prerogative." 

"  And  we  all  know  what  that  means,"  said 
Sir  Thomas,  rubbing  his  hands  in  the  height  of 
his  enthusiasm. 

"  After  attending  to  that  all  important  mat- 
ter of  withdrawing  from  your  present 

"  Aw,  passing  fancy,"  interjected  Richard. 

"  Attachment,"  continued  Sir  Joseph,  "  you 
may  visit  Trevisick  castle,  and  there  sur- 
rounded by  peaceful  scenes,  etc.,  form  a  better 
acquaintance  with  my  daughter." 

"  Aw,  I  will  soon  wind  up  that  little  matter," 
said  Richard. 

Richard  Trubody  had  no  opportunity  to 
escort  Margaret  anywhere  in  the  city,  for  in 
two  days  after  their  conference  Sir  Joseph  re- 
turned with  her;  but  he  had  the  very  great 
pleasure — as  he  said — of  informing  her  of  the 
prospect  of  paying  her  a  visit  at  her  home. 

"  Not  especially  to  call  upon  me,  sir,"  Mar- 
garet replied. 

"  Aw,  Sir  Joseph  has  invited  me  to  come," 
he  stammered. 

'*  I  trust  you  will  enjoy  your  visit,  Mr. 
Trubody." 

88 


CHAPTER   XII 

AFTER  leaving  the  smithy,  old  Ben  Judd  en- 
tered his  cottage  and  explained  to  his  wife 
what  had  transpired  between  him  and  Sir 
Joseph. 

Mary  Ann  Judd  was  a  modest  little  woman 
of  very  few  words,  and  when  conversing  with 
her  husband  it  was  usually  in  monosyllables, 
and  for  that  reason  had  maintained  the  peace 
of  the  little  household  from  the  day  of  their 
marriage.  She  likewise  used  those  monosyl- 
lables sparingly,  which  was  calculated  to  pre- 
serve that  peace  unimpaired  to  the  day  of  her 
death. 

Her  invariable  reply  to  her  husband's  re- 
marks was:  "That's  right,"  or  "That's 
wrong,"  as  the  case  might  be;  and  if  by  mistake 
she  answered  wrong,  she  quickly  made  it  right 
for  the  sake  of  euphony. 

Whether  Mary  Ann  Judd  was  soured  be- 
cause her  husband  had  not  taken  her  with  him 
that  afternoon,  or  whether  it  was  on  account  of 

89 


OWL    TOWER 

the  natural  regard  she  had  for  titled  person- 
ages, can  only  be  conjectured. 

When  old  Ben  related  how  he  had  spoken  to 
Sir  Joseph,  his  wife  answered: 

"  That's  wrong;  you  had  no  right  to  speak 
to  a  gentleman  like  Sir  Joseph  in  that 


manner." 


Now,  if  Mary  Ann  had  not  departed  from 
her  orthodox  way,  old  Ben  probably  would 
have  growled  to  himself;  as  it  was,  the  unusual 
multitude  of  words  jarred  on  his  ear,  and  he 
replied  petulantly: 

"  Serves  me  right  for  telling  you ;  you  never 
did  know  anything." 

"  I  know  right  from  wrong,"  retorted  Mary 
Ann. 

"  You  get  it  twisted  mighty  often,  I  have 
noticed,"  growled  old  Ben. 

"  I  have  twisted  it  to  suit  you,  but  I  will  do 
it  no  longer,"  she  again  retorted. 

"  You  are  a " 

"  Don't  you  dare  say  it,"  screamed  Mary 
Ann,  and  thereupon  she  sat  down  and  covering 
her  face  with  her  apron  burst  into  tears,  sob- 
bing as  though  her  heart  would  break. 

"  Now,  I've  done  it,"  said  old  Ben,  and  he 
90 


OWL    TOWER 

arose  and  put  his  arms  around  his  wife  and 
tried  to  kiss  her,  but  she  pushed  him  from  her. 

"  I  didn't  say  it,"  exclaimed  Ben. 

"No,  but  you  meant  to,"  Mary  Ann  ex- 
claimed between  her  sobs. 

"  Will  you  kiss  and  make  up? "  asked  Ben. 

"  No,  go  away  from  me,"  she  screamed. 

"  It's  that  cursed  old  tower,"  exclaimed  Ben; 
"  not  a  living  soul  has  gone  within  its  shadow 
who  has  not  fallen  under  its  evil  influence." 
He  wound  up  this  remark  with  three  taps  on  his 
palm,  and  then  lighting  his  pipe,  strolled  out 
into  the  garden. 

The  following  evening  the  eight  chairs  at 
the  village  inn  were  occupied  as  usual,  and  old 
Ben  recounted  his  experience  at  the  tower. 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  "  I  gazed  up  at  the  tower 
and  it  was  falling  this  way;  I  ran  around 
the  other  side,  and  it  was  falling  that  way; 
and  I  finally  discovered  it  was  falling  every 
way." 

The  tailor  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  threw 
his  hands  over  his  head,  as  though  to  ward  off 
imaginary  falling  stones,  and  gasped,  "  Forty 
devils!" 

"  Yes,"  continued  old  Ben,  "  and  I  told  Sir 
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OWL    TOWER 

Joseph  the  old  tower  prevented  him  from  ex- 
tending the  hand  of  friendship  to  Squire 
John." 

"Jerusalem!"  gasped  the  tailor. 

Whether  old  Ben  had  the  power  of  trans- 
ferring any  of  the  evil  influence  he  had  imbibed 
from  visiting  the  tower,  is  matter  for  specula- 
tion ;  but  certain  it  is  that  on  the  following  day 
the  little  tailor  horrified  his  wife  by  threatening 
to  turn  her  out  of  the  house  if  she  cooked  any 
more  cabbage. 

"  What  shall  I  cook? "  the  unfortunate 
woman  inquired.  "  I  have  been  giving  you 
cabbage  every  day  for  forty  years,  and  you 
never  complained  before." 

"  Cook  anything,  anything,"  he  snarled, 
"  anything  but  cabbage." 

And  his  wife  left  him  to  visit  one  of  her 
neighbors,  to  receive  her  condolence  over  the 
first  quarrel  she  had  with  her  husband. 

The  heretofore  peaceful  village  had  sud- 
denly exhibited  signs  of  a  general  epidemic  of 
quarreling;  and  one  and  all  decided  that  a 
period  had  arrived  in  the  history  of  the  tower 
when  it  had  the  power  of  disseminating  its  evil 
influence  among  them. 

92 


CHAPTER   XIII 

MARGARET  was  once  more  back  to  the  rural 
scenes  she  loved  so  well.  For  several  days  she 
remained  at  home,  or  loitered  about  on  the 
lawn,  her  thoughts  dwelling  upon  the  unhappy 
condition  that  had  befallen  her. 

During  the  journey  from  London  her 
father  had  explained  to  her  that  Richard  Tru- 
body,  who  was  heir  to  a  title  and  rich  lands 
besides,  was  about  to  visit  Trevisick  for  the 
purpose  of  getting  better  acquainted  with  her, 
with  the  ultimate  object  in  view  of  marrying 
her.  Sir  Joseph  added  that  he  trusted  she 
would  appreciate  the  effort  he  had  made  in  her 
behalf,  and  use  grace  and  tact  in  the  premises. 

Margaret  did  not  answer  her  father,  for  she 
knew  it  was  the  custom  among  wealthy  families 
to  do  just  what  her  father  had  done. 

When  she  had  been  home  less  than  a  week 
she  received  a  sorrowful  letter  from  little  Jane 
Valtort,  which  added  to  her  unhappiness;  it 
read: 

93 


OWL    TOWER 

"  You  remember,  my  dear  Margaret,  how  proud  I  was 
to  inform  you — according  to  promise  we  made  at  school 
— I  had  a  sweetheart  who  was  very  devoted  to  me,  and 
that  papa — who  is  slightly  acquainted  with  his  parents — 
consented  to  the  match?  Well,  my  heart  is  broken,  for 
without  any  previous  reference  to  it,  he  has  written  me 
an  icy  note  stating — '  He  regretted  circumstances  pre- 
vented further  communication.'  If  he  had  called  and 
explained  himself,  it  would  have  been  bad  enough;  but 
to  be  cast  aside  as  though  I  were  too  insignificant  for 
that  condescension,  it  makes  me  so  ashamed  I  don't  know 
what  to  do.  I  have  to  run  to  my  room  when  I  feel  like 
crying,  because  I  am  too  proud  to  let  my  parents  know 
of  my  disgrace,  for  I  can't  help  feeling  that  way  about 
it.  I  was  always  so  good  to  him  too,  as  you  know  I  would 
be;  yet  he  didn't  even  put  my  name  on  the  note,  as 
though  I  am  too  small  even  for  that.  You  had  better 
write  me  at  once,  Margaret  dear,  for  I  know  I  shall  die 
very  soon  with  grief." 

Margaret  had  never,  even  for  a  day,  forgot- 
ten her  little  schoolmate,  and  on  reading  this 
sad  termination  to  her  engagement  she  felt 
very  sorrowful;  and  what  with  her  own  dis- 
affection, she  bent  her  head  in  her  hands  and 
burst  into  tears.  Her  grief,  however,  lasted 
but  a  short  time,  and  she  at  once  set  about 
replying  to  Jane's  letter. 

"My  dearest  Jane,"  she  wrote:  "I  have 
94 


OWL    TOWER 

shed  tears  over  your  sad  letter,  and  now  I  am 
writing  one  to  counteract  the  one  you  received. 
I  am  in  love  too,  secretly,  for  I  have  not  made 
it  known  to  him;  and  now  I  am  in  misery  be- 
cause papa  has  decided  upon  my  marrying  a 
man  of  title,  who  has  been  invited  to  the  castle 
to  follow  me  around  and  ogle  me  with  a  mon- 
ocle stuck  in  his  eye,  and  to  catch  me  with  his 
shepherd's  crook  which  he  carries,  and  to  make 
love  to  me.  He  puts  me  in  mind  of  a  bean- 
pole, with  a  silk  hat  perched  on  top;  in  fact 
just  like  that  caricature  of  a  man  you  used  to 
make  at  school  and  make  fun  of.  I  hate  him 
already,  and  when  he  arrives  I  shall  run  away. 
Let  me  know  if  I  can  stay  with  you  until  the 
storm  blows  over? " 

Having  placed  this  letter  in  the  family  mail- 
pouch,  Margaret's  thoughts  reverted  to  Rob- 
ert Coleshill,  and  she  longed  to  write  him  also, 
but  her  pride  would  not  admit  of  it;  then  she 
thought  of  the  Tower,  and  lastly  of  the  metal 
box  which  she  found  there. 

Taking  the  latter  from  its  hiding  place,  the 
rusty  hinges  broke  as  she  opened  the  lid;  and 
withdrawing  a  parchment,  engrossed  in  old 
English,  she  deciphered  the  following  words ; 

95 


OWL    TOWER 

"  By  Divine  grace— His  Sovereign  Majesty 
Ring  George  the  Third,  for  divers  injuries 
done  to  the  House  of  Trevisick,  and  the  sus- 
picion of  slaying  one  Hugh  Trevisick  in  his 
bed;  doth  hereby  revoke,  annul,  make  void  and 
of  no  effect,  the  title  of  Baronet  now  apper- 
taining to  the  House  of  Coleshill  in  the  Barony 
of  Trewhiddle;  such  abrogation  of  title  to  re- 
main in  force  during  the  lifetime  of  the  present 
owner  of  said  estate,  and  to  continue  in  full 
force  and  virtue  to  his  heirs,  until  such  time 
thereafter  as  written  proof  shall  be  adduced, 
signed  by  at  least  twenty  prominent  men  of 
the  vicinity  in  which  said  Barony  is  located,  and 
likewise  by  one  eligible  member  of  the  House 
of  Trevisick;  to  the  effect  that  the  House  of 
Coleshill  has  refrained  from  molesting  said 
House  of  Trevisick  for  a  period  of  two 
generations." 

Margaret  could  hardly  believe  her  senses  as 
she  read  this  precious  document.  She  had  no 
doubt  in  her  father's  honor  if  it  was  intrusted 
to  him  under  ordinary  circumstances,  but  she 
feared  he  would  prefer  to  adhere  to  his  pres- 
ent arrangements.  Finally  she  thought  of 

96 


OWL    TOWER 

sending  it  to  Robert  Coleshill,  then  the  happy 
thought  came  to  her  to  secure  the  reinstatement 
of  the  title  in  Robert's  name,  herself. 

It  was  several  hours  before  she  could  form  a 
plan  for  its  consummation,  but  at  last  she  re- 
membered that  Jane  Valtort's  father  was  a 
barrister-at-law,  and  she  sent  another  letter  to 
her,  explaining  the  facts,  and  enclosing  the 
precious  document,  adding:  "  Be  sure  to  tell 
your  father  to  treasure  and  return  it  safely  to 
me,  for  my  heart  is  wrapped  up  in  it." 

To  have  seen  Margaret  after  this  would  have 
betrayed  no  sign  of  sorrow,  and  her  father 
came  in  for  a  share  of  her  happiness,  for  she 
kissed  him ;  and  taking  her  harp,  which  had  not 
seen  the  light  for  many  a  day,  she  removed  its 
covering  and  played  to  her  heart's  content. 


97 


CHAPTER  XIV 

NOTWITHSTANDING  the  happiness  the  discovery 
of  the  document  brought  to  Margaret,  and  the 
assurance  she  had  received  of  ultimately  re- 
covering the  lost  title,  she  looked  forward  with 
considerable  anxiety  to  the  arrival  of  Richard 
Trubody. 

Margaret  had  very  little  acquaintance  with 
men,  and  although  her  affections  were  set  on 
Robert  Coleshill,  she  had  not  made  any  effort 
to  disclose  it  to  him ;  and  she  tried  to  picture  in 
her  mind  how  she  should  act  towards  this  man, 
who,  as  she  knew,  was  coming  with  the  pro- 
nounced intention  of  wooing  and  wedding  her. 

Once  she  resolved  upon  writing  to  Robert, 
but  what  could  she  say?  or  what  could  she  do? 
She  was  so  perplexed  that  if  Robert  Coleshill 
had  asked  her  to  elope  and  marry  him,  she  very 
likely  would  have  acceded  to  his  request. 

Finally,  after  the  lapse  of  ten  days,  the 
coachman  deposited  Richard  Trubody  at  the 
porch  entrance  to  the  castle.  Sir  Joseph  re- 

98 


OWL    TOWER 

ceived  him,  for  Margaret — who  had  been  ap- 
prised of  his  coining — retired  to  her  room ;  but 
fearing  the  anger  of  her  father,  she  later  en- 
tered the  drawing-room  where  he  and  Richard 
were  conversing  together. 

Margaret  extended  her  hand,  and  Richard 
drooped  his  right  shoulder  and  clasped  it, 
saying: 

"  Aw,  I  feel  privileged  a  second  time,  Miss 
Trevisick." 

"  I  trust  you  will  enjoy  your  visit,  Mr.  Tru- 
body,"  she  said  significantly,  and  then  she  sat 
down  apart  from  them. 

After  dinner,  Margaret  played  on  the  piano, 
and  did  many  other  things  which  a  cultured 
young  lady  would  naturally  do  to  entertain 
her  father's  guest. 

The  following  morning  after  breakfast  she 
accompanied  him  in  a  drive  around  the  village 
and  other  places  of  interest,  introducing  him  to 
the  Vicar  and  a  few  others  whom  they  called 
upon. 

The  second  day  she  took  him  to  the  green- 
house and  exhibited  the  gardener's  art.  Lift- 
ing an  immense  cucumber  in  her  hands  she 
said: 

99 


OWL    TOWER 

"Isn't  this  a  large  cucumber,  Mr.  Tru- 
body?  I  have  watched  it  ever  since  it  was  so 
long  " — dropping  the  cucumber  and  spreading 
her  hands  to  indicate  the  size. 

"  Aw,  do  you  call  that  a  cu-cu-cumber?  "  he 
stammered  with  evident  surprise ;  "  I  thought 
cu-cu-cumbers  grew  in  slices." 

On  the  third  day,  having  exhausted  all  the 
sightseeing,  and  being  surfeited  with  his  "  aw 
this  "  and  "  aw  that,"  Margaret  sat  down  in  a 
favored  retreat  among  the  shrubbery  with  a 
book  in  her  lap,  and  although  her  eyes  were 
fixed  upon  it,  her  thoughts  were  elsewhere. 

Richard  hunted  through  the  grounds  until  he 
discovered  her,  then  seated  himself  beside  her. 
He  had  in  his  short  stay  become  familiar 
enough  to  address  her  by  her  first  name. 

"  Aw,  Margaret,  this  is  a  perfect  paradise. 
I  already  feel  I  have  lived  here  a  lifetime. 
Would  you  like  to  realize  my  presence  for  the 
future?" 

"I  have  no  objection  to  your  living,  Mr. 
Trubody,  if  that  is  what  you  mean." 

"  Aw,  call  me  Richard ;  it  sounds  more  fa- 
miliar. I  used  to  be  called  Richard  by  a 
aw " 

100 


OWL     TOWER 

"  What  else  could  she  call  you?  "  Margaret 
wickedly  asked. 

"  Aw,  they  sometimes  give  me  a  pet  name ; 
but  you  did  not  understand  me.  I  can  live 
anywhere,  of  course.  I  mean,  would  you  like 
me  to  live  with  you  as  your  aw " 

At  that  moment  a  servant  entered  the  shrub- 
bery bearing  a  letter,  and  Margaret  arose 
and  went  forward  to  meet  him.  It  was  from 
Jane  Valtort,  and  Margaret  opened  it  and 
read: 

"  I  am  sorry  for  you,  my  dear  Margaret.  I  think 
we  may  as  well  decide  to  grow  up  old  maids  and  keep 
school.  Since  I  have  been  so  disappointed,  I  have  longed 
to  go  back  to  the  Misses  Corey,  but  it  would  never  be  the 
same  place  without  you. 

"  My  lost  sweetheart  answers  the  description  you  give 
of  the  gentleman  who  is  destined  to  be  your  husband, 
but  I  loved  him  too  well  to  imagine  he  resembled  a  bean- 
pole. His  name  is  Richard  Trubody,  son  of  Sir  Thomas 
Trubody. 

"  Papa  says  he  will  attend  to  the  document,  and  that 
his  fee  will  be  half  a  dozen  kisses,  for  he  has  been  lov- 
ing you  secretly,  he  says,  ever  since  I  told  him  about 
you  and  how  good  you  were  to  me. 

"  I  am  still  crying  my  eyes  out  for  my  lost  sweetheart." 

Margaret  turned  to  Richard  Trubody   and 
101 


OWL    TOWER 

said:  "You  will  have  to  excuse  me,  sir;  I 
have  a  letter  of  importance  to  attend  to." 

Richard  looked  at.  her  curiously  for  a 
moment,  and  answered:  "Aw,  very  well." 

Margaret  instantly  wrote  a  note  to  Robert 
Coleshill,  as  follows: 

"Will  Mr.  Robert  Coleshill  be  good  enough  to  meet 
the  writer  at  the  Tower  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o'clock? 
She  desires  his  advice  on  a  momentous  question. 

"  MARGARET  TREVISICK." 

Placing  the  note  in  an  envelope,  Margaret 
proceeded  to  the  village,  and  arriving  at  the 
smithy,  discovering  the  blacksmith  alone,  she 
entered. 

Old  Ben  looked  at  her  over  his  glasses  with 
great  curiosity  depicted  on  his  countenance, 
his  hammer  uplifted  to  strike  the  glowing  iron 
upon  the  anvil. 

Margaret  had  held  up  her  skirts  with  both 
hands  as  she  entered,  and  she  now  lapped  her 
dress  over  so  that  one  hand  could  engage  it, 
while  she  held  the  letter  in  the  other. 

"  Mr.  Judd,"  she  said,  "  I  have  come  to  ask 
a  great  favor  of  you." 

"  I  am  your  very  humble  servant,  Miss," — 
binglbangl 

102 


OWL    TOWER 

"  How  pretty  those  sparks  are.  Will  they 
burn  my  dress? " 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  Miss,  I  intended  strik- 
ing the  anvil," — tink-a-link-a-link.  "  You  see, 
Miss,  I  am  so  accustomed  to  talk  and  strike, 
that  I  can't  do  one  without  the  other."  Then 
old  Ben  placed  the  iron  in  the  fire  to  avoid 
striking  it  again,  and  returned  to  the  anvil, 

"  I  have  an  important  letter  for  Mr.  Robert 
Coleshill,"  Margaret  resumed,  "  which  I  want 
you  to  deliver  to  him  personally  this  evening; 
I  know  I  can  trust  you  to  keep  the  matter 
secret." 

"  I  will  deliver  it,  Miss,  and  will  assuredly 
keep  it  secret  for  your  sake." — tink-a-link-a- 
link. 

"Thank  you,  Mr.  Judd,"  and  Margaret 
again  took  hold  of  her  skirts  with  both  hands 
and  left  the  shop. 

Then  old  Ben  sprang  to  the  fire  with  an 
alacrity  belying  his  old  age,  and  withdrawing 
the  red-hot  iron,  took  it  to  the  anvil  and  struck 
it  fast  and  furiously;  and  the  sparks  flew  wildly 
about  the  shop  and  out  into  the  road,  as  he 
repeated : 

"  A  letter  from  Miss  Margaret  Trevisick  " 

103 


OWL    TOWER 

— bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link — "  for 
Mr.  Robert  Coleshill ;  "  — bing !  bang!  bing! 
tink-a-link-a-link.  "  To  be  delivered  to  him 
personally  " —bing !  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link — "  by  old  Ben  Judd," — bing!  bang!  bing! 
tink-a-link-a-link — "  who  will  keep  it  a  secret." 
Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link. 

Then  old  Ben  moralized: 

"  I  can  see  through  this  whole  thing," — tink- 
a-link-a-link — "  Sir  Joseph  is  acting  upon  my 
words  " — tink-a-link-a-link — "  and  is  making 
overtures  to  Robert  "  —tink-a-link-a-link — 
"through  the  medium  of  his  beautiful 
daughter."  Tink-a-link-a-link.  "  It  is  a 
pity  to  keep  it  secret," — tink-a-link-a-link — 
"  and  I've  a  good  mind  to  tell  it  to  Mary  Ann." 
Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link. 


104 


CHAPTER   XV 

THE  following  morning  Margaret  endured  the 
attentions  of  Richard  Trubody  until  nine 
o'clock,  and  then  she  asked  to  be  excused. 
Shortly  afterwards  she  retired  to  her  room, 
from  which  point  of  vantage  she  could  look  in 
the  direction  of  Owl  Tower,  although  it  was 
hidden  from  view  by  the  dense  foliage  of  the 
strip  of  woodland  between. 

She  was  gazing  from  a  window,  when 
Richard  Trubody  with  his  shepherd's  crook  ap- 
peared from  around  the  castle,  and  proceeding 
across  the  lawn,  took  the  lane  leading  to  the 
boundary  of  the  estate.  Margaret  felt  un- 
easy for  fear  she  would  meet  him  on  her  way 
to  keep  her  appointment  with  Robert  Coleshill. 

Richard  Trubody  walked  down  the  lane,  cut- 
ting at  the  tall  weeds  with  his  cane,  and  re- 
marking :  "  Aw,  if  you  were  men,  see  how 
pretty  I  would  cut  you  down."  Arriving  at 
the  boundary,  he  espied  the  tower,  and  ex- 
claimed: "Aw,  I  declare,  a  relic  of  olden 

105 


OWL    TOWER 

times,"  and  he  straightway  followed  the  hedge 
skirting  the  woods,  and  reaching  a  point  di- 
rectly opposite  the  structure,  he  entered  the 
brake  surrounding  it,  and  proceeded  to  inspect 
it.  Finally  he  bent  back  his  head  to  look  up- 
wards, and  he  immediately  ducked  it,  causing 
his  monocle  to  drop  from  his  eye,  and  his  hat 
to  fly  off;  and  without  stopping  to  pick  it  up, 
he  ran  around  the  other  side  of  the  structure. 

"Aw,"  he  exclaimed,  "it  is  falling  that 
way." 

Then  as  it  seemed  to  him  a  long  time  tum- 
bling down,  he  put  his  monocle  in  his  eye  and 
again  bent  back  his  head;  and  this  time,  in  his 
efforts  to  get  away  quickly,  he  sprawled  his 
length  in  the  bracken.  As  soon  as  he  restored 
himself  to  his  feet,  he  exclaimed : 

"  Aw,  the  whole  thing  is  about  to  fall ;  possi- 
bly it  revolves." 

After  procuring  his  hat,  he  ascended  the 
square  part  of  the  tower,  and  taking  another 
look  at  its  summit,  he  began  the  ascent  of  the 
spiral  steps. 

His  tall  stature  and  frail  limbs  rendered  the 
undertaking  an  extremely  arduous  one,  and  he 
used  his  hands  to  assist  him.  Just  before  he 

106 


OWL     TOWER 

reached  the  top,  his  hand  came  in  contact  with 
the  secret  door  and  swung  it  on  its  pivot,  re- 
vealing the  small  cell  within. 

"  Aw,  I  declare,  a  secret  chamber,"  he 
ejaculated. 

A  few  steps  further  took  him  to  the  top,  and 
he  sat  down  in  the  rustic  seat,  completely  ex- 
hausted. 

Espying  a  book  beside  him,  he  exclaimed: 
"  Aw,  somebody  makes  this  spot  their  retreat," 
and  opening  the  book  he  detected  Margaret's 
name  written  in  conjunction  with  Robert 
ColeshiU's. 

"Aw,  clandestine  meetings,  I'll  be  bound; 
and  is  this  the  meek  and  modest  Margaret 
Trevisick  whom  I  am  inveigled  into  marrying? 
We  will  see."  Then  he  opened  the  book  and 
read  aloud  the  title.  "  Aw,  the  modern  art  of 
warfare.  I  am  not  interested  in  anything  but 
love;  those  who  want  to  fight  can  do  so;  Rich- 
ard Trubody  smokes  the  pipe  of  peace." 

Then  his  gaze  fell  on  the  spheres,  and  he 
arose  and  pushed  them  around  with  his  foot, 
remarking:  "Aw,  what  the  devil  are  these 
things  for?  "  and  without  attempting  to  puzzle 
his  brains  to  seek  a  problem  concerning  them, 

107 


OWL    TOWER 

he  again  sat  down  and  spoke  in  a  moralizing 
tone:  "  Aw,  this  is  the  spot  for  making  love; 
if  I  had  you  here,  Margaret  Trevisick,  there 
would  be  none  of  that  evasion  just  as  I  arrive 
at  the  point;  I  would  make  you  stand  and,  aw, 
deliver." 

After  several  minutes  spent  in  a  musing  at- 
titude, he  arose  and  looked  over  the  embattle  - 
ments.  The  beautiful  panorama  before  him 
had  no  attraction  for  him,  but  he  whined: 
"  Aw,  Margaret,  my  girl,  if  you  were  only 
here,"  and  at  that  moment  he  espied  the  form 
of  a  female  emerging  from  the  woodland  be- 
longing to  Trevisick  estate  and  in  the  act  of 
climbing  the  hedge. 

"  Aw,  I'll  be  blowed  if  it  isn't  Margaret," 
he  exclaimed ;  "  the  fates  are  with  me.  I  sup- 
pose it  is  another  clandestine  meeting,  but  I  am 
first  in  the  field,  and  I  will  get  her  answer  or 
make  an  expose  of  her  character.  Oh!  Jane! 
Jane!  why  did  I  abandon  you  for  a  frivolous 
creature  like  this? " 

Margaret  had  ascended  to  the  entrance  of 
the  round  portion  of  the  tower,  and  there  she 
awaited  Robert  Coleshill's  arrival. 

"  Aw,  why  is  she  so  long  tarrying? "  said 

108 


OWL    TOWER 

Richard;  "perhaps  there  is  an  underground 
secret  chamber.  This  whole  business  is  too  bad, 
that  a  man  of  my  standing  should  be  drawn 
into  this  perfidious  trap;  if  my  temper  once 
gets  aroused  I  will,  aw " 

At  this  moment  another  sight  met  his  excited 
gaze,  and  Robert  Coleshill  came  bounding 
from  the  opposite  side,  and  with  great  agility 
reached  the  spot  where  Margaret  was  con- 
cealed. 

"  Aw,  by  heavens!  "  Richard  exclaimed;  "  if 
this  doesn't  beat  anything  my  eyes  ever  beheld ; 
the  fellow  actually  leaps  in  the  air  in  his  hurry 
to  meet  her;  modest  indeed!  she  is  as  deceitful 
as  Delilah.  How  shall  I  manage  with  her 
now?  If  this  was  a  sword" — brandishing  his 
cane — "  I  might  run  him  through.  Aw,  I  will 
leave  this  beastly  part  of  the  world ;  it  is  not  fit 
for  Richard  Trubody  to  inhabit.  I  feel  con- 
taminated ; "  and  putting  his  monocle  in  his 
eye  he  commenced  to  descend,  when  he  heard 
footsteps  immediately  below  him,  and  hesitat- 
ing for  a  second,  he  pushed  open  the  secret 
door  and  crawled  into  the  cell. 

When  the  couple  had  reached  the  top,  Mar- 
garet said: 

109 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  discovered  your  happy  forethought,  Mr. 
Coleshill,  in  providing  yourself  with  a  seat." 

"I  made  it  for  you,  Miss  Trevisick,"  he 
responded,  "  so  you  might  have  an  opportunity 
to  rest  after  your  tiresome  ascent." 

"  You  are  very  considerate,  sir,  and  I  hope 
to  take  advantage  of  your  kindness  very  often ; 
and  now  if  I  may  claim  your  indulgence,  I  will 
make  known  my  errand. 

"  You  are  already  aware  that  papa  objects 
to  my  becoming  engaged  to  any  person  with- 
out a  title,  and  in  order  that  there  may  be  no 
doubt  about  it,  he  has  invited  a  gentleman  here 
to  follow  me  around  the  estate  with  the  avowed 
purpose  of  gaining  my  affection  and  marrying 
me.  I  not  only  abhor  him,  but  his  manner  is 
entirely  repulsive  to  me.  Rather  than  marry 
him,  I  would  leave  home.  What  would  you 
advise  me  to  do?  " 

"  I  must  consider  a  few  moments,  Miss 
Trevisick." 

"  Oh,  please  call  me  Margaret ;  he  does,  and 
he  has  only  known  me  a  short  time,  whereas 
you  have  known  me  all  my  life." 

Robert  took  her  by  the  hand,  saying :  "  If 
I  addressed  you  as  I  feel  towards  you,  I  would 

no 


OWL    TOWER 

say,  *  My  dear  Margaret,'  for  I  am  desperately 
in  love  with  you;  tell  me,  am  I  too  bold? " 

"  And  I  will  call  you  '  dear  Robert,'  for  it 
is  useless  to  hide  the  fact  any  longer,  that  my 
heart -" 

Before  Margaret  finished  her  sentence,  Rob- 
ert was  on  his  knees  before  her,  and  clasping 
his  arms  around  her  as  she  sat,  he  exclaimed: 
"  My  darling !  my  heart-beats  choke  me  with 
joy.  I  have  been  longing  to  hear  your  dear 
voice  again,  and  now  you  tell  me  that  you  love 
me,"  and  he  placed  his  lips  to  hers,  drawing  her 
into  his  loving  embrace,  and  looking  tenderly 
into  her  eyes.  "  I  have  been  dying  for  a  sign 
of  your  love,  and  now  that  I  have  found  it,  my 
happiness  is  more  than  I  can  stand;  tell  me 
once  again,  sweetheart,  that  you  love  me." 
Margaret  turned  her  sweet,  blush-covered  face 
to  his,  and  said  softly:  "Robert,  I  love 

you." 

Robert  then  resumed  his  seat,  still  holding 
her  hand  in  his. 

"  Margaret,  dear,  you  must  not  allow  your- 
self to  be  forced  into  marrying  this  man; 
neither  must  you  sully  your  good  name  by  leav- 
ing home;  I  would  not  consent  to  it.  When 

in 


OWL    TOWER 

we  marry — as  I  feel  we  will — it  must  be 
brought  about  by  my  proving  my  worthiness 
to  your  father.  I  would  want  you  to  come  to 
me  without  any  fear  of  subsequent  unhappi- 
ness,  which  would  certainly  arise  if  your 
father's  wishes  were  entirely  ignored.  If  you 
realize  any  difficulty  in  escaping  from  this 
man's  attentions,  tell  Sir  Joseph  plainly  that 
you  cannot  marry  him;  and  then  if  he  insists, 
there  will  be  ample  time  for  you  to  confer  with 
me  again." 

"  Robert,  dear,  you  know  best,  of  course. 
Now  let  me  tell  you  one  thing  more,  and  then 
I  must  be  leaving  or  I  shall  be  missed.  I  re- 
ceived a  sorrowful  letter  from  Jane  Valtort — 
an  intimate  schoolmate — stating  her  sweetheart 
had  withdrawn  his  attentions  very  unceremoni- 
ously from  her,  without  giving  any  explana- 
tion; and  it  turns  out  on  comparing  the  name 
—Richard  Trubody — that  he  is  the  same  indi- 
vidual who  is  pursuing  me.  To  think  for  a 
moment  that  I  would  injure  my  dear  Jane  by 
recognizing  his  attentions !  I  wouldn't  if  it  were 
you  instead  of  him." 

"  I  am  sure  you  wouldn't,  Margaret,  and  I 
am  just  as  sure  I  would  not  be  guilty  of  such 

112 


OWL     TOWER 

unmanly  conduct.  That  letter  ought  to  be  suffi- 
cient to  convince  your  father;  if  not,  I  would 
send  for  Jane  to  pay  you  a  visit.  Is  this  Tru- 
body  a  tall  person?  " 

"  He  is  like  a  beanpole,"  Margaret  replied 
laughingly. 

"  I  think  I  met  him  at  school,"  Robert 
replied;  "  does  he  *  aw '  everything  he  says?  " 

"  That's  the  man,"  Margaret  eagerly  re- 
joined, rising  as  though  to  depart.  "  He  is 
Trubody  by  name,  but  not  by  nature." 

"  I  think  that  letter  will  put  an  end  to  his 
persecutions.  And  now,  dearest,  let  me  ask 
you  a  few  questions  that  are  close  to  my  heart 
before  we  separate.  Do  you  think  you  love 
me  deeply  enough  to  wait  a  few  months,  possi- 
bly a  year  or  even  more?  " 

"  How  can  you  ask  me,  Robert?  I  would 
wait,  if  necessary,  until  we  had  grown  old." 

"You  are  quite  sure,  Margaret?"  and  he 
drew  her  to  him  again. 

"  Quite  sure,"  she  answered,  looking  lovingly 
and  contentedly  up  to  him. 

"  I  don't  know  how  to  thank  you,"  he  added. 
"  You  have  made  me  so  very,  very  happy." 

"  And,  Robert  dear,  I,  too,  am  happy;  all 

113 


OWL    TOWER 

doubt  has  fled,  and  I  am  content  to  know  that 
my  love  is  returned." 

"  I  have  been  loving  you  secretly,  Margaret, 
since  I  was  a  mere  boy." 

"  I  must  not  tell  you  how  long  I  have  loved 
you,  Robert,  for  you  might  grow  conceited." 

Robert  drew  her  to  him  and  kissed  her 
passionately. 

"  There  will  be  nothing  left  of  me,  Robert 
dear,  if  you  embrace  me  so  rapturously." 

At  that  moment  his  arms  relaxed,  and  his 
countenance  turned  deathly  pale. 

"  Oh!  what  is  the  matter?  "  Margaret  eagerly 
asked. 

"  Hasten  to  the  bottom,"  he  replied.  "  I 
will  follow  you." 

They  descended  the  steps  with  great  alacrity, 
and  had  reached  about  midway  when  they 
heard  a  loud  pounding  behind  them,  and  Mar- 
garet exclaimed  in  agony:  "Oh,  Robert! 
one  of  the  spheres  is  trundling  down  the 
steps." 

Robert  realized  the  awful  danger,  and  tak- 
ing Margaret  in  his  arms,  pressed  her  closely 
against  the  inward  wall  of  the  steps,  and  placed 
his  body  against  her  so  as  to  protect  her. 


OWL    TOWER 

At  that  instant  the  sphere  bounded  from  the 
steps  immediately  above  them,  and  descended 
on  its  journey  to  the  bottom. 

"  Another  is  coming!  "  Margaret  screamed; 
"  Robert,  you  will  be  killed!  " 

"  Keep  close,  my  dear,"  he  said ;  and  as  he 
pressed  her  still  more  closely  so  that  perchance 
the  sphere  would  escape  them,  it  struck  the 
step  whereon  they  stood,  and  bounding  with 
an  awful  leap,  shattered  the  wall  just  below 
them,  carrying  a  large  portion  of  the  stone- 
work away  with  it  and  leaving  a  hole  which 
exposed  the  outside  landscape  to  view. 

They  thereupon  rushed  down  the  steps  to 
the  bottom,  where  they  stood  panting  with 
excitement. 

'What  does  it  mean?"  Margaret  asked. 

"  I  have  never  had  the  slightest  superstition 
about  anything,"  Robert  replied,  "  and  I  was 
very  glad  this  tower  had  the  reputation  it  has, 
on  account  of  the  privacy  it  affords ;  but  I  cer- 
tainly saw  a  human  hand  dangling  from  an 
embrasure  just  back  of  the  embattlement 
where  we  stood." 

Margaret  instantly  thought  of  the  secret 
cell,  but  wanted  to  hide  the  knowledge  of  it 

115 


OWL    TOWER 

until  the  title  had  been  recovered;  yet  she  won- 
dered who  it  could  be;  and  then  she  thought 
of  the  trouble  her  actions  were  likely  to  bring 
upon  them  both. 

"  Here  it  comes,  whatever  it  is !  "  exclaimed 
Robert;  and  at  that  moment  Richard  Trubody 
appeared  at  the  foot  of  the  steps,  to  Mar- 
garet's utter  dismay. 

"  Aw,  is  anybody  injured?  "  inquired  Rich- 
ard with  a  horrified  look. 

Robert  seized  him  by  the  collar  and  shook 
him  to  and  fro,  exclaiming:  '  You  scoundrel, 
your  tried  to  kill  us!  " 

"Aw,  aw,"  gasped  Richard,  between  the 
shakes,  "  I  am  not  guilty ;  Margaret !  help !  aw, 
aw." 

"  Don't  hurt  him,  I  beg,"  Margaret  pleaded, 
taking  Robert  by  the  arm;  "let  him  explain 
his  actions." 

"  Aw,  I  wished  to  avoid  you,  and  hid  in  the 
secret  cell,"  Richard  hastily  explained;  "the 
stones  rolled  out  as  I  bent  down  to  make  my 
exit  from  it." 

'  We  will  give  you  the  benefit  of  the  doubt," 
Robert  replied;  "and  I  humbly  beg  your 
pardon." 

116 


OWL     TOWER 

"Are  you  Robert  Coleshill? "  asked 
Richard. 

"  I  am,'*  Robert  replied,  "  and  I  remember 
you  at  Eton." 

"  Aw,  bless  my  soul,  how-de-do?  "  and  they 
shook  hands  together. 

*  You  were  always  getting  into  some  ridic- 
ulous scrape  or  other  at  school,"  Robert  said 
to  him;  "  how  do  you  propose  to  get  out  of  this 
one?" 

"  Aw,  I  will  gladly  relinquish  all  claims  on, 
aw,  Margaret,  provided  she  will  reinstate  me 
with  Jane.  I  am  longing  to  see  her  again,  for 
she  understands  me  better  than  anybody  else." 

"  You  don't  deserve  her,"  Margaret  com- 
mented with  emphasis.  "  She  is  my  dearest 
friend ;  but  as  she  seems  to  be  fond  of  you,  you 
may  obtain  her  forgiveness  by  pleading  for  it." 

"  Aw,  does  Jane  know  I  am  here?  " 

"  No,"  Margaret  replied;  "neither  does  she 
know  you  have  acted  so  shamefully  towards 
her  by  trying  to  bestow  your  affection  on  me." 

"  Aw,  promise  me,  Miss  Trevisick,  that  you 
won't  report  me,  and  I  will  leave  as  soon  as  I 
can  do  so  without  appearing  to  ignore  Sir 
Joseph's  hospitality." 

117 


OWL     TOWER 

Margaret  agreed  to  keep  the  matter  secret 
until  after  Jane  and  he  were  married,  and  she 
was  thus  left  to  win  her  father's  consent  as  best 
she  could  to  her  attachment  to  Robert  Coles- 
hill. 


118 


CHAPTER   XVI 

THE  mind  of  Richard  Trubody,  after  his  ex- 
perience in  the  tower,  seemed  to  be  relieved  of 
considerable  weight,  and  his  actions  became 
those  of  an  overgrown  boy ;  indeed,  had  he  thus 
behaved  when  he  made  his  advent  at  the  castle, 
it  is  very  probable  Margaret  would  have  had 
less  dislike  for  him. 

The  morning  following  the  episode  he  met 
Margaret  on  the  lawn,  and  bowing  to  her,  re- 
marked : 

"  Aw,  a  delightful  morning,  Miss  Trevisick; 
do  you  know,  I  feel  like  another  man;  the 
thought  of  once  more  seeing  my  dearest  Jane 
fills  me  with  delight." 

'  You  don't  deserve  her  for  acting  so  un- 
manly towards  her,"  replied  Margaret. 

"  Aw,  I  quite  agree  with  you,  Miss  Trevi- 
sick, that  it  was  very  ungracious  of  me,  and  I 
am  truly  ashamed;  yet  allow  me  to  remark 
that  you  were  unwittingly  the  cause  of  it.  If 
you  hadn't  crossed  my  path,  and  your  presence 
been  forced  upon  me,  as  it  were,  I  would  have 

119 


OWL    TOWER 

remained  true  to  Jane.  Aw,  indeed  I  don't 
know  that  I  have  been  untrue  to  her,  outside 
of  the  little  break  I  made  in  withdrawing  my 
presence  for  a  time;  for  after  you  ignored  me, 
my  heart  glanced  back  to  her  like  a  rubber 
ball." 

"  Are  you  sure  you  have  a  heart,  Mr.  Tru- 
body?"  ' 

"  Aw,  Miss  Trevisick,  believe  me,  I  have  had 
a  lump  here  "  —placing  his  hand  on  his  chest — 
"  ever  since  my  arrival  at  the  castle." 

"Why  didn't  say  so  before,"  Margaret 
replied,  "  and  thus  saved  me  from  a  great  deal 
of  misery  your  attentions  involved,  and  per- 
haps also  from  behaving  rudely  to  you,  for  I 
was  too  unhappy  to  know  how  I  acted  towards 

you." 

"  Aw,  I  am  very  glad  you  ignored  me,  and 
that  events  have  transpired  as  they  should. 
How  will  I  explain  matters  to  Sir  Joseph,  and 
get  away  from  here,  for  I  am  anxious  to  see 
Jane,  and  make  up  with  her?  " 

"  Just  say  to  my  father,  you  have  failed  to 
make  a  favorable  impression  upon  me,  and 
that  you  have  a  pressing  engagement  else- 
where, requiring  your  immediate  attention." 

120 


OWL    TOWER 

"Aw,  thank  you,  Miss  Trevisick ;  by  George ! 
I  had  been  thinking  all  night  what  I  should 
say,  and  here  you  have  settled  it  in  a  moment ; 
*  failing  to  make  a  favorable  impression  on 
your  daughter,  and  having  pressing  business 
elsewhere  requiring  my  immediate  attention  ' ; 
very  good;  upon  my  word,  if  Jane  was  not  in 
the  way,  I  would  still  try  to  persuade  you  to, 
aw " 

"  I  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  you,"  re- 
torted Margaret,  "  so  you  need  not  trouble 
yourself  further  about  me." 

"  Aw,  Robert  is  a  lucky  fellow  to  get  the 
affections  of  a  girl  like  you;  he  always  was 
very  successful,  though,  in  whatever  he  under- 
took at  school." 

"  Have  you  written  to  Jane? "  Margaret 
inquired. 

"Aw,  no,  I  intend  calling  upon  her;  I 
abhor  writing." 

"  You  should  have  felt  that  way  about  it 
sooner,"  Margaret  replied. 

"  Aw,  Miss  Trevisick,  you  are  too  hard  upon 


me." 


"  I  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  you,  if  I 
were  Jane." 


121 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Aw,  I  will  tell  Jane  how  cruel  you  are, 
after  we  get  settled  down." 

"  She  will  not  believe  it  if  you  do." 

And  Margaret  left  him  and  entered  the 
house,  where  she  spent  some  time  in  writing  to 
Jane  Valtort. 

Feeling  that  Jane's  lover  would  return  to 
her;  Margaret,  in  order  to  comfort  her,  used  a 
pardonable  deceit  by  suggesting  that  her  lover 
was  only  playing  truant  for  a  while,  and  would 
eventually  beg  to  be  reinstated.  Regarding 
her  own  attachment  she  wrote:  "  I  am  in  love 
with  the  dearest  fellow  in  the  world,  but  as  he 
is  minus  a  title,  we  must  await  developments, 
for  papa  is  determined  I  shall  marry  nobody 
without  a  title." 

On  the  second  day  Richard  Trubody  mus- 
tered courage,  and  going  to  Sir  Joseph,  de- 
livered his  address,  which  he  had  learned  by 
heart. 

Sir  Joseph  viewed  him  with  some  displeas- 
ure, and  replied: 

'  Very  well,  Richard,  I  trust  you  have  other- 
wise enjoyed  your  visit? " 

"  Aw,  very  much,  indeed.  I  feel  well  paid 
for  my  trip." 

122 


OWL     TOWER 

"  That  is  something  to  be  thankful  for," 
said  Sir  Joseph. 

"  Aw,  yes.  I  will  remember  it  for  a  life- 
time." 

And  Richard  Trubody  took  his  leave  that 
day,  and  when  his  time  came  for  bidding  Mar- 
garet good-by,  she  said  to  him :  "  Let  me 
hear  nothing  but  worthy  accounts  of  you  from 
Jane;  she  is  a  dear,  affectionate  girl,  far  too 
good  for  you." 

"  Aw,  Miss  Trevisick,  you  are  most  awfully 
hard  on  a  poor  devil;"  but  notwithstanding 
this  comment,  he  was  evidently  pleased  to  feel 
that  Jane  was  beloved  by  her,  for  as  he  shook 
her  hand  he  said: 

"  Aw,  I  have  become  a  wiser  and  a  better 
man  for  knowing  you ;  I  wish  you  nothing  but 
happiness;  good-by." 

Margaret  remained  in  the  drawing-room 
after  Richard's  departure,  for  she  felt  her 
father  would  refer  to  the  failure  of  his  visit, 
and  her  indifference  towards  him.  Sir  Joseph, 
however,  was  so  annoyed  at  his  daughter  for 
ignoring  his  wishes  that  he  kept  to  the  library 
until  near  the  dinner  hour,  when  he  entered  the 
drawing-room. 

123 


He  spoke  with  emphasis  as  he  approached 
her:  "  Well,  Margaret,  setting  aside  your 
duty  to  your  parents,  do  you  feel  perfectly 
justified  in  your  actions  towards  Richard 
Trubody? " 

"  Dear  papa,  let  me  explain  to  you,  and  you 
will  think  less  ill  of  me." 

"  I  desire  no  explanations,  Margaret ;  it  is 
purely  a  matter  of  duty,  and  my  question  re- 
quires a  plain  yes,  or  no,  from  you." 

"  I  must  answer '  no,'  respecting  my  duty  to- 
wards you,  papa,  and  '  yes '  most  strenuously 
to  that  concerning  Richard  Trubody." 

"  Thank  you  for  coming  to  the  point ;  it  is 
not  customary  for  the  principals  of  our  house 
to  be  ruled  by  their  sons,  let  alone  their 
daughters.  You  must  likewise  bear  in  mind 
that  until  very  recently,  royalty  assumed  the 
prerogative  of  dictating  whom  the  children  of 
noblemen  should  marry.  If  you  fully  appre- 
ciate this  fact,  there  can  be  no  misunderstand- 
ing between  us.  Now  I  will  condescend  to 
listen  to  your  objection  to  Richard  Trubody, 
for  understand,  your  refusal  of  his  advances 
means  opportunity  number  one." 

"  Papa,  dear,  you  have  acted  so  differently 

124 


OWL    TOWER 

towards  me  of  late,  I  don't  know  whom  to  look 
to  in  my  distress.  I  discovered  my  heart  was 
not  mine  to  bestow  on  Richard  Trubody." 

"  You  talk  absurdly,  Margaret ;  you  are  a 
child  no  longer.  Who  controls  your  heart,  if 
you  do  not? " 

"  Oh,  papa ! "  said  the  unfortunate  girl, 
"  don't  be  so  cruel  to  me,"  and  she  burst  into 
tears. 

"  Margaret,  I  have  no  desire  to  be  harsh 
with  you,  but  you  forget  what  sorrow  your 
stubbornness  is  causing  me." 

"  I  am  very  sorry,  sir,"  Margaret  replied 
through  her  tears. 

"  Dear  me,  don't  estrange  yourself  by  '  sir- 
ring '  me,"  said  Sir  Joseph  sternly,  "  or  I  will 
shut  myself  up  and  leave  you  to  your  own 
resources." 

Margaret  dried  her  eyes  at  this  threat,  and 
looked  around  the  room  as  though  to  find  an 
answer.  Finally  she  said: 

"  Dear  papa,  Richard  Trubody  is  such  an 
ungainly  person,  and  his  whole  manner  of 
speech  is  so  foreign  to  my  ideas  of  a  man,  I 
could  not  bring  myself  to  like  him.  I  did  try, 
but  I  found  it  useless ;  something  held  me  back; 

125 


OWL    TOWER 

besides,  I  discovered  he  had  cast  aside  my  dear 
school  friend,  Jane  Valtort,  in  order  to  make 
love  to  me,  and  after  that  I  despised  him.  I 
could  more  easily  die  than  marry  him." 

"  Those  sort  of  things  are  frequently  done," 
replied  Sir  Joseph.  "  Men  are  not  so  simple 
as  women  in  their  affections." 

"  Is  a  man  simple  in  being  just  and  honor- 
able, papa?  Can  a  man  who  truly  loves  a 
woman  cast  her  aside  and  transfer  that  love  to 
another  in  a  moment?  " 

"  I  never  tried  the  experiment,"  Sir  Joseph 
replied,  "but  that  is  not  here  nor  there;  you 
are  not  a  man." 

"Is  a  woman  a  plaything,  papa,  for  any 
man  who  comes  along  to  trifle  with  her  love?  " 

"  Margaret,  I  am  too  old  a  man  to  be  answer- 
ing a  lot  of  foolish  questions.  Allow  Richard 
Trubody  to  return  to  his  first  love,  if  he  will, 
which  is  very  doubtful.  Who  controls  your 
affections?" 

Margaret  hesitated,  blushed  deeply,  and  at 
last  rushed  to  her  father  and  throwing  her  arms 
about  his  neck,  cried :  "  Papa,  don't  be  unkind 
to  me;  I  find  my  heart  has  gone  out  to  him 
whose  title  was  taken  from  him." 

126 


OWL     TOWER 

"You  mean  Robert  Coleshill? "  said  Sir 
Joseph. 

4  Yes,"  answered  Margaret  as  she  wept  in 
her  father's  arms. 

"  You  have  met  him  again?  " 

"  I  have  only  spoken  to  him  twice." 

"  And  both  times  in  the  Tower,  I  suppose?  " 

"  Yes,  papa." 

"  It  is  a  very  fine  place  for  a  nobleman's 
daughter  to  meet  a  man,  and  particularly  for 
one  who  has  been  educated  with  such  pure  mo- 
tives as  you  have  been." 

Margaret  wept  too  bitterly  to  make  answer 
for  a  moment,  but  when  she  could  command 
her  words  sufficiently*  she  said :  "  Robert 
Coleshill  would  not  injure  me  in  thought,  let 
alone  in  deed;  he  is  a  gentleman  with  the  soul 
of  honor." 

"  It  is  perfectly  natural  that  you  should 
think  so,  my  dear." 

Whether  Sir  Joseph  said  "  my  dear  "  absent- 
mindedly  or  intentionally,  it  had  the  instanta- 
neous effect  of  encouraging  Margaret;  and 
drying  her  tears,  she  said : 

"  Papa  dear,  listen  to  me.  If  I — if  Robert 
procures  a  title,  will  you  allow  him  to  call 

127 


OWL     TOWER 

and  plead  with  you?  I  know  you  will  like 
him." 

"  Titles  are  not  procured  any  more,  Mar- 
garet; they  are  bestowed  by  our  sovereign  for 
worthy  actions  done." 

"  Yet  if  those  actions  have  been  done  in  times 
past,  and  a  title  is  bestowed  for  the  seeking?  " 
pleaded  Margaret. 

"  If  Robert  procures  a  title,"  Sir  Joseph 
answered,  "  I  will  then  give  ear  to  him." 

'  Thank  you,  dear  papa,  I  will  give  no  cause 
for  further  sorrow,"  and  she  kissed  him  and 
proceeded  to  her  apartments  to  prepare  for 
dinner. 

Sir  Joseph  gazed  after  his  beautiful 
daughter  and  muttered :  "  That  cursed  Tower 
is  the  cause  of  all  my  trouble.  I  only  wish 
Robert  Coleshill  would  do  some  valiant  deed, 
and  thus  break  the  spell  that  has  been  hanging 
over  us." 


128 


CHAPTER   XVII 

AFTER  obtaining  her  father's  consent  to  the 
conditions  proposed  by  her,  Margaret  recov- 
ered her  usual  happy  frame  of  mind,  and  Sir 
Joseph  rejoiced  at  the  sudden  change  his  con- 
cession had  brought  about ;  for  he  had  no  idea 
that  a  title  would  be  procured,  although  not 
unwilling  that  his  daughter's  happiness  should 
be  gratified  by  its  realization. 

To  add  to  Margaret's  happiness,  she  received 
a  letter  from  Jane  Valtort  brimful  of  joy  over 
the  return  of  her  "  bad  boy,"  as  she  styled  her 
sweetheart.  She  wrote :  "  Richard  explained 
he  had  loved  me  unceasingly,  and  that  he  would 
never  be  guilty  of  such  unmanly  conduct  again. 
I  got  real  angry  at  him,  but  he  pleaded  so 
pathetically  to  be  forgiven,  I  submitted  to  the 
inevitable,  for  I  was  longing  all  the  time  to 
hug  the  dear  fellow.  And  now,  my  dear  Mar- 
garet, papa  is  sending  you  a  document  which 
you  must  procure  the  signatures  to,  and  return 
to  him ;  then  you  will  get  the  title.  You  do  not 

129 


OWL    TOWER 

state  if  Robert  Coleshill  is  your  intended,  but 
I  feel  he  must  be." 

The  following  mail  brought  the  important 
package,  and  Margaret  in  her  gladness  wrote 
a  few  lines  to  Robert  Coleshill  thus:  "My 
dearest  Robert :  After  undergoing  much  tor- 
ture of  mind  at  the  hands  of  papa,  he  has  prom- 
ised to  consider  our  attachment  as  soon  as 
you  procure  a  title.  I  am  satisfied  it  will  not 
take  long  to  accomplish  that.  Yours,  ever  de- 
votedly, Margaret.  I  enclose  a  miniature  of 
myself  taken  the  day  I  left  school ;  it  may  rec- 
ompense you  for  the  absence  of  the  original, 
for  I  must  not  give  papa  any  occasion  to 
change  the  favorable  view  he  entertains  re- 
garding you." 

Margaret  summoned  her  maid  and  again 
walked  to  the  smithy. 

Old  Ben  Judd  was,  as  usual,  hammering 
away  at  the  anvil,  but  there  was  nobody  present 
to  indulge  in  conversation  so  that  he  could 
save  half  the  labor,  although  the  profits  were 
accumulating. 

Margaret  entered  unmindful  of  the  sparks, 
and  old  Ben  beamed  on  her  a  smile  of  welcome 
as  he  took  off  his  cap  to  her. 

130 


OWL    TOWER 

Addressing  him,  she  said :  "  Mr.  Judd,  in 
this  envelope  is  a  very  important  document 
which  requires  the  signatures  of  twenty  promi- 
nent men  of  the  village  in  order  to  secure  Mr. 
Robert  Coleshill  the  title  temporarily  with- 
drawn from  one  of  his  ancestors.  You  may 
have  heard  of  the  occurrence  in  its  transmission 
down  the  ages? " 

"  Yes,  Miss,"  answered  old  Ben,  "  I  have 
heard  about  it." 

"  I  want  you  to  do  me  the  kindness  of  ob- 
taining those  signatures.  You  must  get  the 
full  name,  age  and  occupation." 

"  It  will  be  the  greatest  pleasure  of  my  life, 
Miss  Trevisick,"  and  old  Ben  began  to  draw 
off  his  leather  apron. 

"  Oh,  you  needn't  stop  your  work,  Mr. 
Judd,"  Margaret  said ;  "  you  can  do  it  this 
evening,  and  I  will  call  for  it  the  day  after 
to-morrow." 

"  I  will  certainly  attend  to  it,  Miss." 
"  Keep  it  clean,  as  it  goes  back  to  London." 
"  Yes,  Miss,  I  will  do  that  also." 
"  And  here  is  a  letter  for  Mr.  Robert  Coles- 
hill,  and  whatever  you  say  to  him,  don't  men- 
tion a  word  about  the  title." 

131 


OWL    TOWER 

"  You  can  trust  me,  Miss  Trevisick." 

"  Good-day,"  and  Margaret  joined  Grace 
Biddle,  who  was  waiting  in  the  road. 

Old  Ben  had  been  welding  a  heavy  piece  of 
iron  when  he  was  interrupted;  he  now  with- 
drew it  from  the  fire,  and  taking  it  to  the  anvil, 
commenced  to  hammer  vigorously,  chanting  as 
though  to  keep  in  rhyme  with  the  ringing  of 
the  anvil: 

"  Margaret  is  the  most  sensible  of  them  all." 
Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link.  "  She 
will  reconcile  the  long-standing  feud."  Bing! 
bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link.  "The  old 
tower  will  be  torn  down."  Bing !  bang !  bing ! 
tink-a-link-a-link!  "There's  to  be  a  title  for 
Robert."  Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link!  "And  I  have  made  a  discovery."  Bing! 
bing!  bang!  tink-a-link-a-link!  "Margaret 
is  in  love  with  him."  Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink- 
a-link-a-link!  "There  will  be  a  marriage  in 
Cana  of  Galilee."  Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a- 
link-a-link  !  "  And  I  am  selected  by  Margaret 
because  she  likes  me," — bing!  bang!  bing!  tink- 
a-link-a-link! — "  and  for  fear  of  creating  jeal- 
ousy,"— bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link! 
— "  I  will  not  say  a  word  about  it  to  Mary 

132 


•'VVho  iutrusted  you  with  this?"      . 


OWL     TOWER 

Ann."  Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a- 
link. 

Old  Ben  was  so  anxious  to  please  Margaret, 
and  moreover  was  so  desirous  of  seeing  his 
prophecy  fulfilled,  particularly  that  concern- 
ing her  marriage  to  Robert,  that  he  set  out  im- 
mediately after  supper  to  obtain  the  necessary 
signatures. 

Much  speculation  was  rife  among  those  who 
contributed  their  names,  but  old  Ben  was  mute 
on  the  subject.  At  last  he  had  obtained  all  but 
the  vicar's,  and  he  called  upon  him  forthwith. 

"Who  intrusted  you  with  this?  "  asked  the 
old  vicar. 

"  Miss  Margaret  Trevisick,"  answered  Ben. 

"  She  should  have  brought  it  to  me,"  said  the 
vicar ;  "  I  am  the  proper  medium  for  such  mat- 
ters. Does  Sir  Joseph  know  about  it?  " 

Old  Ben  hesitated  a  moment,  and  answered : 
"  He  knows  all  about  it ;  I  had  a  talk  with  him 
concerning  it  a  few  weeks  ago." 

"  In  that  case  I  will  add  my  name  to  it; 
otherwise  I  would  not." 

Ben  chuckled  to  himself  as  he  left  the  vicar- 
age, and  muttered  as  he  tripped  along — for  he 
had  fallen  secretly  in  love  with  Margaret,  and 

133 


OWL    TOWER 

his  old  heart  was  bubbling  with  affection  for 
her  —  "  It  is  necessary  to  tell  a  lie  sometimes  in 
a  good  cause,  and  I  will  tell  a  bigger  one  than 
that  for  her  if  need  be." 

If  any  person  had  passed  the  smithy  a  few 
minutes  afterwards  they  would  have  heard  the 
sound  of  the  anvil  proceeding  from  the  shop, 
for  old  Ben  could  not  resist  stealing  in  and 
hammering  his  sentiments  into  that  document. 

Margaret  called  early  at  the  smithy  on  the 
third  day. 

'  You  have  succeeded  in  getting  the  signa- 
tures, Mr.  Judd,  I  know." 

'  Yes,  my  dear  —  excuse  me,  Miss  Trevisick, 


"  Oh,  you  are  perfectly  excusable,  and  quite 
welcome,  too,  Mr.  Judd,  if  it  suits  you  to  say 
so." 

"  Thank  you,  Miss." 

After  Margaret  left  the  shop  old  Ben 
kicked  over  his  nail  box,  flung  his  apron  in  a 
corner  and  said:  "  Bless  my  soul,  she  is  beauti- 
ful enough  to  drive  an  old  man  like  me  insane  ; 
I  wonder  what  Robert  Coleshill's  mental  condi- 
tion is  like?"  Then  running  to  the  Village 
Inn  —  something  he  was  rarely  known  to  dq 

134 


OWL    TOWER 

during  the  daytime — he  called  for  two  fingers 
of  brandy,  saying  to  Widow  Hodge:  "My 
heart  is  fluttering,  and  needs  a  stimulant." 

"  I  know  what  it  is,"  answered  the  widow;  "  I 
frequently  get  those  spells,  particularly  when 
I  think  of  poor  Hodge." 

'  You  ought  to  marry  some  nice  young  man, 
Mrs.  Hodge." 

"  Lor',  what  would  an  old  widow  like  me  do 
with  a  young  man,  Mr.  Judd?  " 

Old  Ben  leaned  forward  and  .whispered  in 
her  ear:  "  If  I  were  to  marry  again,  I  would 
marry  a  young  woman  of  about  twenty-one 
years,  but  don't  mention  it  to  Mary  Ann." 


135 


CHAPTER   XVIII 

MABGARET  lost  no  time  in  returning  the  docu- 
ment, duly  signed,  to  Edmund  Valtort,  Esq., 
barrister-at-law,  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  Lon- 
don; and  took  the  opportunity  to  pour  out  her 
heart  to  him  for  the  very  great  kindness  he  had 
done  her.  After  this  she  took  to  her  books 
and  drawings  with  such  a  display  of  her  old- 
time  avidity,  that  Sir  Joseph,  who  could  not 
help  witnessing  the  happy  change,  felt  glad  he 
had  gratified  her  heart's  desire. 

During  the  day  Margaret  strolled  in  the 
woods,  and  meeting  the  gamekeeper,  said  to 
him :  "  Jarrett,  as  soon  as  Sir  Joseph  orders 
any  venison  I  would  like  you  to  kill  the  heavy- 
antlered  stag;  be  careful  of  the  head,  as  I  in- 
tend sending  it  to  the  taxidermist." 

Robert  Coleshill  received  Margaret's  letter 
from  the  hands  of  the  blacksmith,  and  he  took 
it  to  his  room,  where  he  could  ponder  over  it 
undisturbed.  He  acted  very  differently  from 
what  most  young  men  would  have  done  on 

136 


OWL    TOWER 

reading  the  welcome  news  contained  therein. 
He  first  pressed  the  miniature  to  his  lips,  then 
knelt  beside  his  bed,  and  remained  several 
minutes  in  the  attitude  of  prayer.  He  then 
sat  down  and  spent  some  time  in  writing.  One 
letter  he  indited  to  his  father  and  laid  it  on 
his  own  dressing-table ;  then  taking  a  ring  from 
his  finger,  he  enclosed  it  in  the  other  letter  and 
directed  it  to  Margaret.  Then  he  proceeded 
to  the  Tower,  and  after  taking  in  a  glance  of 
the  surrounding  country,  riveted  his  eyes  on 
the  castle,  hoping  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  her 
who  was  so  dear  to  him,  but  in  that  he  was 
disappointed.  Shortly  afterwards  he  was  seen 
by  Squire  John  wandering  about  the  estate, 
stopping  here  and  there  to  fondly  dwell  on 
reminiscences  of  his  boyhood's  life. 

After  dinner  he  retired  to  his  room  and  at- 
tired himself  in  a  coarse  traveling  suit;  then 
he  put  some  changes  of  linen  in  a  portmanteau, 
and  secretly  left  his  father's  mansion,  entering 
the  woodland,  where  he  deposited  the  portman- 
teau; then  he  proceeded  to  the  home  of  the 
blacksmith  and  met  old  Ben  on  his  way  to  join 
his  companions  at  the  inn. 

"  Mr.  Judd,"  he  said,  "  will  you  see  that  Miss 
137 


OWL    TOWER 

Trevisick  gets  this  letter  to-morrow,  and  not 
before?  I  am  going  away  for  a  time,  and  I 
may  communicate  with  her  through  you;  I 
know  I  can  trust  you." 

"  That  you  can,  young  sir,"  and  he  warmly 
shook  the  hand  Robert  extended  to  him  as  he 
bade  him  good-by. 

Returning  to  the  woodland,  he  took  the  port- 
manteau and  walked  in  the  direction  of  the 
railway.  His  thoughts  were  so  deep  in  sorrow- 
ful reflection  he  was  unmindful  of  the  fact 
that  one  that  had  been  his  companion  in 
all  his  walks  for  years,  and  had  shared  his  joys 
and  sorrows,  had  discovered  his  intentions  and 
was  now  following  him  with  lowered  head  in- 
tent on  sharing  his  pilgrimage. 

Robert  had  reached  a  spot  where  he  could 
obtain  a  last  view  of  his  home,  and  turning 
around,  he  espied  his  favorite  spaniel  standing 
in  the  road.  As  he  spoke  to  it,  it  whined  as  it 
looked  up  at  its  master,  and  again  lowered  its 
head. 

"  Come  here,  you  poor  dog,"  said  Robert, 
stooping  down  and  taking  it  in  his  arms.  "  We 
will  miss  each  other  sadly,  I  know,  but  you 
would  find  me  strangely  altered  if  I  remained 

138 


at  home.  Go  home,  good  Fan ;  I  will  come  back 
again ;  "  and  as  the  dog  turned  homewards 
with  all  its  usual  display  of  gladness  hidden  in 
its  dejected  mien,  Robert  recalled  the  happy 
hours  he  had  enjoyed  in  its  companionship, 
and  tried  in  vain  to  gulp  his  sorrow  down. 

But  his  purpose  was  fixed,  and  he  was  deter- 
mined that  no  grief  at  parting  should  hinder 
his  course.  Taking  the  train  for  Plymouth, 
he  reached  the  garrison,  and  there — notwith- 
standing the  late  hour — he  discovered  hurried 
scenes  of  full-fledged  soldiers  coming  and  go- 
ing unceasingly. 

Robert  stood  apart  and  watched  the  activity 
going  on,  when  an  enlisting  sergeant  addressed 
him: 

"  Here,  you  young  sir,  do  you  want  to  en- 
list?" 

Robert  nodded  assent. 

"  Come  with  me,"  said  the  sergeant,  and  he 
led  him  before  an  individual  in  full  uniform 
whom  he  addressed  as  Major,  giving  his  cap  a 
touch  at  the  same  time.  This  officer  looked 
intently  on  the  noble  appearance  of  Robert, 
and  repeated  the  sergeant's  words,  "  Do  you 
want  to  enlist?" 

139 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  want  to  volunteer  my  services  in  any  en- 
gagement now  on,  or  that  is  likely  to  take  place 
at  an  early  date,"  answered  Robert. 

The  officer  still  looked  at  him  critically,  and 
said:  "  Trouble  at  home?  " 

"  I  have  caused  none,"  Robert  replied. 

"  Then  there  is  a  woman  in  the  case;  take 
my  advice,  young  sir,  and  return.  This  kind 
of  business  is  only  fit  for  those  who  have  no 
home,  or  are  otherwise  very  desperate." 

"  I  belong  to  the  latter,"  responded  Robert. 

"  Have  you  any  preference? "  asked  the 
officer. 

"  I  am  a  good  horseman,  and  prefer  '  King's 
Dragoon  Guards.' ' 

'  You  are  totally  inexperienced  in  warfare, 
and  the  risk  is  very  great,"  said  the  officer,  un- 
willing to  enlist  him. 

"  I  have  been  reading  up  on  the  subject  for 
a  considerable  time,"  Robert  replied. 

The  officer  shook  his  head  deprecatingly : 
"  Reading  is  not  worth  a  d — ;  excuse  me  for 
being  so  plain  with  you.  You  require  some 
rough  experience  in  the  field  at  home,  at  least, 
to  accustom  you  to  the  hardships  abroad." 

"  I  am  determined,"  said  Robert. 

140 


OWL    TOWER 

Taking  a  book  labeled  "  Recruits  King's 
Dragoon  Guards,"  the  officer  said:  "Give 
your  name,  age,  and  address." 

"  Robert  Coleshill,  twenty- four,  Trewhiddle 
Manor." 

The  officer  recorded  this  information,  and 
without  looking  up,  said:  "Do  you  know 
Squire  Coleshill? " 

"  He  is  my  honored  father,"  Robert  replied. 

"  Then  naturally  you  know  Sir  Joseph  Tre- 
visick,  or  of  him  at  least?  " 

'  Very  well  indeed,"  Robert  replied,  look- 
ing at  the  officer  with  great  curiosity. 

"  I  am  Troop  Sergeant-Ma j  or  Lunney, 
King's  Dragoons,  and  Lady  Trevisick's 
youngest  brother." 

"  Indeed,"  answered  Robert;  "  I  am  greatly 
surprised  to  hear  it,  and  I  regret  that  an  old- 
standing  feud  between  my  family  and  Sir 
Joseph's  may  interfere  with  my  present  plans." 

"  Not  in  the  slightest,  Mr.  Coleshill.  I  have 
no  intention  of  recognizing  any  such  folly 
among  my  relatives.  May  I  ask  if  the  woman 
in  your  case  is  Miss  Trevisick? " 

"  I  have  made  no  such  allusion,"  Robert 
replied. 

141 


OWL    TOWER 

"  It  is  usually  unnecessary,"  said  Major 
Lunney,  "  but  you  may  as  well  be  candid  with 
me.  Is  it  Margaret?  " 

"  It  is,"  Robert  replied  after  a  moment's 
hesitation. 

"  A  most  beautiful  and  accomplished  girl," 
commented  the  Major;  "  now  place  me  in  your 
confidence.  What  is  the  trouble?  " 

There  was  no  withstanding  the  Major's 
brusque  manner  of  questioning,  so  Robert 
replied : 

"  Sir  Joseph  objects  to  his  daughter  marry- 
ing any  person  without  a  title." 

"  And  yours  was  annulled ;  I  remember  the 
history.  Does  Margaret  return  your  affec- 
tions? " 

"Yes." 

"  Clandestinely,  of  course ;  there  is  no  other 
way?  "  promptly  inquired  the  Major. 

Robert  made  no  reply. 

"  Why  don't  you  elope  with  her?  I  would 
if  she  loved  me." 

"  I  will  do  nothing  dishonorable,"  Robert 
replied. 

"Bah!  nobody  will  thank  you  for  acting 

142 


OWL     TOWER 

honorably  in  such  a  matter.  Do  you  expect  to 
win  a  title  by  going  to  battle?  " 

"  I  thought  there  might  be  a  remote  possi- 
bility." 

"Remote?  Take  my  advice,  Mr.  Coleshill; 
go  home  and  await  events.  You  will  at  least 
be  able  to  feast  your  eyes  upon  her  now  and 
then;  whereas,  if  you  go  to  battle,  the  chances 
are  about  even  of  your  coming  home  without  a 
title,  or  remaining  abroad  with  one  which  will 
be  of  no  earthly  use  to  you." 

'  Thank  you,  Major  Lunney,  for  your  so- 
licitude; I  have  decided  to  serve." 

'  Very  well,  the  Invincible  sails  at  six  in 
the  morning.  You  may  room  with  me  if  you 
will,  and  two  days  out  I  will  explain  all  about 
where  we  are  going;  "  then  calling  the  enlist- 
ing sergeant,  he  addressed  him,  saying: 
"  Take  this  gentleman's  measure  and  see  that 
a  few  extra  khaki  suits  are  placed  aboard  in  my 
room;  "  then  turning  to  Robert,  he  said:  "  I 
must  leave  you  now,  Mr.  Coleshill ;  the  sergeant 
will  take  care  of  you,  and  I  will  meet  you  on 
board  at  daybreak." 


143 


CHAPTER  XIX 

THE  spaniel  returned  to  Trewhiddle,  and 
whined  plaintively  all  through  the  night;  and 
when  Squire  John  opened  the  hall-door  in  the 
morning  to  admit  it,  the  poor  animal  looked 
up  at  him,  making  almost  human  cries. 

"  It  is  trying  to  talk,"  said  Squire  John  to 
his  wife;  then  addressed  the  animal,  saying: 
"  Your  master  is  rather  late,  Fan,  but  he  will 
be  down  presently."  Then  the  old  gentleman 
patted  it,  but  the  dog  would  not  be  comforted ; 
indeed  it  only  whined  the  more,  and  was  so  dis- 
tressed that  Squire  John  directed  the  butler  to 
go  to  Robert's  room  and  notify  him. 

The  butler  hastily  returned,  bringing  the  let- 
ter which  Robert  had  left,  exclaiming:  "  His 
room  is  vacant,  Sir,  and  I  found  this  letter  on 
his  dressing-table." 

"  What  can  it  mean?  "  said  the  Squire,  his 
hands  trembling  with  excitement  as  he  opened 
the  letter,  and  when  he  read  its  contents  he 
turned  deathly  pale  and  staggered  to  a  chair. 

144 


OWL    TOWER 

"Oh!  John,  what  has  befallen  him?"  ex- 
claimed his  wife,  rushing  forward  and  clasping 
her  husband's  hands. 

He  answered  her :  "  Robert  writes  '  that  his 
life  would  be  nothing  to  him  without  Margaret 
Trevisick,  and  that  a  title  is  necessary  to  pro- 
cure her  father's  consent ;  so  he  has  gone  to  en- 
list in  the  army,  to  make  himself  eligible.' 
D —  Sir  Joseph  and  all  his  kit!  If  any  injury 
befalls  Robert,  I  will  wipe  them  off  the  face 
of  the  earth.  That  cursed  Tower  has  done  this ; 
he  met  Margaret  there,  and  he  is  under  its  ban ; 
and  so  will  she  be,  you  mark  my  words,  so  will 
she  be." 

"  Go  for  him,  John ! "  begged  his  wife ; "  stop 
him,  buy  him  out,  do  anything  to  prevent  him 
from  going  to  fight;  he  will  be  killed!  "  and  the 
unhappy  mother  shed  bitter  tears.  "  To  think 
that  my  dear  Robert  would  leave  his  old  mother 
for  the  sake  of  a  girl.  Why  don't  you  go  for 
him,  John?  " 

And  go  he  did ;  but  it  was  of  no  avail.  He 
returned  with  the  sorrowful  tidings  that  the 
ship  containing  their  dear  son  had  already  de- 
parted on  its  long  voyage. 

So  the  happiness  which  had  ever  attended 
145 


OWL    TOWER 

the  old  couple  from  their  wedding-day  was 
blighted,  and  from  this  time  forth  a  gloom 
spread  over  the  household  that  nothing  could 
disperse.  The  children  dispensed  with  their 
usual  gayety,  and  sadness  took  the  place  of  the 
happy  mirth  which  was  their  inheritance. 

Sorrowful  as  was  the  House  of  Coleshill,  it 
did  not  compare  with  the  intense  grief  mani- 
fested by  one  elsewhere. 

Margaret  that  same  morning  had  been 
handed  Robert's  letter,  and  going  to  her  room 
to  read  it  undisturbed,  she  broke  the  seal  and 
the  ring  fell  therefrom.  She  picked  up  the 
ring,  and  having  seen  it  before  on  Robert's 
hand,  she  put  it  to  her  lips,  then  placed  it  on 
her  index  finger,  for  it  was  too  large  for  her; 
then  she  began  to  read,  and  as  she  read,  her 
beautiful  eyes  dilated  into  a  troubled  look,  her 
hand  rose  swiftly  to  her  brow,  and  with  a 
scream  which  resounded  throughout  the  castle, 
she  fell  heavily  to  the  floor. 

Sir  Joseph,  followed  by  Lady  Trevisick, 
rushed  to  Margaret's  room,  and  discovered  her 
inanimate  form,  and  lifting  her  quickly  in  his 
arms,  kissed  her  pallid  brow,  and  placed  her 
tenderly  on  her  bed;  then  he  stood  aside  with 


OWL     TOWER 

painful  look  while  his  wife  administered  unto 
her  such  restoratives  as  were  at  hand. 

A  physician  was  hastily  summoned,  and  fail- 
ing to  restore  her  to  consciousness  as  soon  as  his 
efforts  warranted,  inquired  the  cause  of  the  at- 
tack; and  Sir  Joseph — who  by  this  time  had 
read  Robert's  letter — disclosed  the  facts. 

"Ah!  Sir  Joseph,"  exclaimed  the  physician, 
"  she  requires  a  different  medicine.  If  you 
would  have  your  daughter  live,  she  must  re- 
ceive your  fatherly  solicitude,  loving  hearts 
and  kindly  hands  to  administer  unto  her;  for 
shocks  like  these  that  spring  from  sudden 
grief,  no  chemist's  art  was  made  to  heal.  Be 
sympathetic  with  her  grief,  be  kind  and  gentle 
to  her  youth — for  winter's  storms  quick  blast 
the  hope  of  love's  young  spring — and  nature 
will  help  restore  your  child." 

Margaret's  return  to  consciousness  was  fol- 
lowed by  hysterical  sobs  and  cries  for  her  dear 
Robert,  and  even  the  venerable  doctor,  accus- 
tomed as  he  was  to  sights  of  woe,  was  reduced 
to  the  point  of  wiping  his  eyes. 

Finally  a  drug  was  administered,  and  she 
fell  into  a  troubled  sleep.  Her  face  betrayed 
emotions  of  the  heart;  it  changed  from  looks 

147 


OWL    TOWER 

of  sad  bewilderment  and  spasmodic  sobs  to 
the  beautiful  expression  of  hope  indicated  by 
rippling  smiles ;  and  at  last  her  countenance  re- 
mained passive,  and  she  slept  soundly. 

"  Let  her  maid  remain  constantly  with  her," 
said  the  doctor,  "  and  when  she  awakes,  con- 
dole with  her  a  while,  and  abstain  from  all 
harshness." 

It  was  several  weeks  before  Margaret  left 
her  room,  and  when  she  did  it  was  to  wander 
about  aimlessly.  Sir  Joseph  had  secreted 
Robert's  letter  so  she  might  not  extend  her 
grief  by  referring  to  it,  but  the  ring,  which  she 
still  retained,  was  a  constant  reminder  to  her. 

One  day  she  inquired  for  her  mail,  and  her 
maid  brought  her  an  accumulation  of  letters, 
and  among  them  was  a  package  from  Edmund 
Valtort  containing  the  title.  Margaret  gazed 
at  the  parchment  document  with  tearful  eyes, 
but  the  passionate  longing  she  at  one  time  had 
for  its  possession  had  departed,  and  she  real- 
ized that  all  the  pleasure  she  anticipated  from 
it  was  lost. 

There  were  several  letters  from  Jane  Val- 
tort, and  these  gave  Margaret  a  few  hours'  hap- 
piness in  answering.  Jane  was  profuse  in  her 

148 


OWL     TOWER 

eulogy  of  Richard  Trubody's  devotion  to  her, 
and  said  she  had  woven  a  net  around  him  this 
time  from  which  he  could  not  escape. 

In  writing  to  Jane  Valtort,  Margaret 
omitted  to  mention  her  great  sorrow,  for  any 
reference  to  it  was  too  painful  to  her. 

Having  attended  to  all  matters  that  had 
been  neglected  during  her  illness,  she  resolved 
herself  into  a  life  of  study. 

Sir  Joseph  had  assumed  his  early  kind  de- 
meanor to  his  daughter,  and  he  seemed  to  re- 
joice that  she  had  been  spared  to  him. 

Robert  Coleshill  had  been  greatly  beloved 
by  his  father,  and  the  old  gentleman  wandered 
from  day  to  day  to  his  son's  room  and  toyed 
with  the  articles  which  he  had  most  frequently 
handled;  and  afterwards,  descending  to  the 
hall,  would  shake  his  fist  at  the  pictures,  ex- 
claiming :  "  From  generation  to  generation 
ye  have  been  the  cause  of  woe." 


149 


CHAPTER   XX 

AT  daybreak  on  a  December  morning  in  the 
year  1880,  H.  M.  S.  Invincible  steamed  out 
of  the  harbor  of  Plymouth.  A  tender  in  wait- 
ing had  taken  off  the  dispatch  officer  and  a 
few  anxious  friends  of  those  on  board,  and  the 
man-of-war  with  its  Union  Jack  and  pennant 
flying,  cleaved  the  waters  as  it  sped  down  the 
channel. 

There  was  considerable  commotion  on  deck 
as  the  ship's  crew  bustled  about  lashing  por- 
table cannon  which  were  deposited  on  deck, 
and  in  securing  the  hatchways,  to  guard 
against  damage  by  storms  which  were  likely  to 
be  encountered  at  any  time  during  the  voyage. 

Groups  of  soldiers,  whose  careless  mien 
stamped  them  as  veterans,  loitered  about  the 
deck,  while  scattered  about  the  gunwale 
lounged  anxious  raw  recruits,  looking  back  at 
the  land  they  were  rapidly  leaving  behind,  and 
which  many  of  them  were  destined  never  to  see 
again. 

150 


OWL    TOWER 

There  was  one  whose  appearance  puzzled 
the  veterans.  He  had  a  soldierly  bearing,  yet 
not  sufficient  to  indicate  he  had  seen  much  serv- 
ice; and  still  he  acted  unlike  the  raw  recruits, 
for  his  look  was  directed  towards  the  prow. 
Presently  he  was  seen  to  take  a  miniature  from 
his  bosom  and  gaze  intently  upon  it. 

'  That  solves  it,"  said  one  veteran  to  another; 
"  it  never  fails  to  betray  the  state  of  the 
weather." 

"  It's  a  pity,  too,"  remarked  the  other,  "  but 
I  made  the  same  mistake.  My  poor  old  father 
pointed  out  the  narrow  path  with  thorns  and 
nettles  by  the  way,  and  the  one  surest  to  bring 
honor  and  contentment;  but  I  chose  the  broad 
road  which  leadeth  unto  destruction,  and  here 
I  am,  destined  sooner  or  later  to  be  pinked,  as 
a  reward  for  my  disobedience." 

"  Have  you  heard  what's  in  the  wind?  " 

"  No  news  yet,"  was  the  response. 

At  that  moment  a  bugle  sounded  the  roll 
call,  and  the  soldiers  swarmed  to  the  deck  from 
below  and  formed  in  line  at  their  captain's 
order,  and  responded  to  their  names. 

"Robert  ColeshiU?" 

"  Here." 

151 


OWL    TOWER 

The  captain  called  him  aside,  and  after  the 
roll  was  completed  escorted  him  to  the  room 
of  Major  Lunney. 

"  You  may  as  well  make  yourself  acquainted 
with  this  den,  Mr.  Coleshill,"  said  Major  Lun- 
ney; "  after  to-day  I  will  be  able  to  converse 
with  you.  I  want  to  take  a  look  at  the  horses ; 
if  you  choose,  you  may  accompany  me." 

"  I  will  do  so,"  Robert  replied. 

And  Robert  for  the  first  time  saw  how  ani- 
mals, and  everything  else  for  that  matter,  are 
packed  on  board  troop-ships. 

"  Oh,  this  is  nothing,"  said  Major  Lunney; 
"  wait  until  there  is  a  storm  and  you  will  think 
bedlam  is  loose  down  here,  and  many  of  them 
may  have  to  go  overboard,  kicked  and  trampled 
to  death.  War  abroad  usually  means  war 
from  the  time  steam  is  up." 

The  following  morning  the  formidable  for- 
tress of  Gibraltar  loomed  up  to  view,  and  the 
man-of-war  was  anchored  in  the  bay. 

After  a  signal-gun  was  fired,  several  tenders 
put  out  from  the  entrance  to  the  Mediterranean 
and  took  up  their  position  at  the  vessel's  side; 
and  immediately  the  debarkation  of  the  soldiers 
commenced. 

152 


OWL     TOWER 

"  It  is  useless  to  talk  to  you  about  the  scen- 
ery," said  Major  Lunney,  "  for  I  know  you 
have  only  one  object  in  view." 

Nevertheless,  Robert  stood  watching  the  im- 
pregnable rock  before  him.  '  There  is  some- 
thing awe-inspiring  about  it,"  Robert  re- 
marked. 

'  Wait  until  we  go  within,"  said  the  Major, 
"  and  you  will  say  there  is  a  great  deal  about  it 
that  is  insuperable." 

"Do  we  land  also? "  Robert  inquired. 

"Sit  down  on  this  Quaker,"  said  Major 
Lunney,  "  and  we  will  talk.  There  is  some- 
thing in  the  wind,  but  what,  is  mere  conjecture 
at  present.  The  Admiralty  directed  us  to  pro- 
ceed to  Gibraltar  and  land  the  troops,  put  them 
through  a  rigid  and  constant  series  of  drills 
and  target  practice,  and  to  be  in  readiness  at  a 
moment's  notice  to  depart.  There  may  be 
trouble  anticipated  further  down  among  the 
Zulus  and  Makatus ;  there  is  no  telling.  They 
are  supposed  to  be  loyal  to  Britishers,  although 
only  a  short  time  ago  Sikukuni,  a  Kaffir  chief 
of  the  Northeast  territory,  attacked  the  Boers 
in  the  Transvaal,  who  are  entitled  to  British 
protection." 

153 


OWL    TOWER 

"I  observe  the  horses  are  being  landed," 
Robert  remarked. 

"  Yes,  they  are  raw  recruits  also,  and  must 
have  a  certain  amount  of  training.  Are  you 
still  determined?  Remember,  it  is  not  too  late 
to  return." 

"  I  must  win  a  title,  somehow,"  Robert 
replied. 

"  Poor  fellow,"  remarked  the  Major;  "  I  am 
truly  sorry  for  you.  Well,  come  along  and 
select  a  good  mount." 

They  entered  one  of  the  tenders,  and  in  a 
few  minutes  were  deposited  on  a  landing, 
every  inch  of  which  was  watched  over  night 
and  day  by  gunners  behind  mighty  cannon 
loaded  for  defence. 

On  a  plateau  behind  the  fortress  the  cap- 
tains were  already  drilling  the  recruits,  cries 
of  "  quick  march  " — "  present  arms  " — "  aim  " 
— "  fire,"  being  heard  in  every  direction.  The 
veterans  were  stationed  on  target  ranges,  prac- 
ticing with  rifles ;  and  on  the  more  open  ground 
beyond  the  plateau  horses  were  being  trained  to 
the  sounds  of  martial  music,  the  firing  of  rifles 
and  field  guns ;  soldiers  on  foot  would  explode 
their  rifles  beneath  the  horses'  bodies  and  be- 

154 


OWL     TOWER 

fore  their  eyes,  and  the  animals  reared  and 
snorted  and  kicked,  but  to  no  avail,  their  riders 
clinging  tenaciously  to  them. 

"  Take  this  animal,  Mr.  Coleshill,"  said 
Major  Lunney,  "  and  let  me  see  how  you 
sit." 

Robert  grasped  the  animal — a  large  raw- 
boned  beast — by  the  mane,  and  sprang  into  the 
saddle;  and  instantly  he  did  so,  the  animal 
reared,  plunged,  and  backed  with  lowered 
haunches,  in  its  maddened  efforts  to  rid  itself 
of  the  burden  on  its  back;  finally  it  reared  so 
desperately  it  lost  its  balance  and  fell  back- 
wards, its  rider  happily  falling  on  the  sward 
beside.  As  the  animal  was  regaining  its  feet, 
Robert  again  leaped  into  the  saddle,  and  bear- 
ing down  upon  the  reins  he  drove  the  rowels 
deep  into  its  sides,  and  away  horse  and  rider 
went  in  a  furious  gallop,  leaping  a  field  cannon 
in  their  path. 

The  captains  stopped  their  drills  to  look 
after  the  flying  horseman,  and  many  envied 
the  newcomer  who  rode  so  well. 

The  horse  continued  its  maddened  flight,  and 
still  the  rowels  drummed  and  spurred  its  sides ; 
and  when  at  last  its  rider  brought  him  back 

155 


OWL    TOWER 

completely  conquered,  the  crimson  foam  be- 
streaking  its  heaving  sides,  the  soldiers  hailed 
Robert  with  a  shout,  "  Well  done!  " 

"Well  done,  but  cruel,"  Robert  responded. 

The  veterans  laughed  at  this,  and  one  re- 
marked, "  This  is  the  small  '  a '  of  it;  wait  un- 
til you  get  to  the  big  '  Z.'  " 

Major  Lunney  patted  the  animal's  neck, 
saying  to  Robert:  "  He  is  yours,  Mr.  Coles- 
hill.  A  part  of  your  duty  is  to  stable  and 
groom  him,  from  this  time  forth;  and"  —he 
added  significantly — "  I  can  see  the  big  letter 
"  S  "  of  your  title  looming  up  before  me." 

'  That  is  encouraging,"  Robert  replied. 

The  next  day  was  spent  in  a  similar  manner, 
with  the  addition  of  undergoing  the  more 
dangerous  exercise  of  facing  the  guns,  through 
which  ordeal  Robert  passed  unflinchingly. 

*  You  are  adding  on  the  letters,"  Major 
Lunney  said  to  him. 

Robert  bowed  in  response. 

1  To-morrow  I  will  try  you  at  the  ranges, 
or  perhaps  you  shoot  on  wing?  Here,  Captain 
Dorsey,  bring  hither  a  rifle." 

Robert  took  the  rifle  and  fired  at  a  half- 
penny twirled  in  the  air,  and  Major  Lunney, 

156 


OWL     TOWER 

taking  it  up  and  examining  it,  remarked: 
"  Your  title  is  '  Subaltern  '  from  to-day.  I 
will  give  you  your  diploma  later." 

"  Can  I  return  home  now? "  Robert  laugh- 
ingly asked. 

"  Devil-a-bit,"  replied  the  Major;  "my 
niece  would  be  too  easily  won." 

"  She  is  won  already,"  Robert  replied. 

"  Sir  Joseph  will  not  be  satisfied  with  a 
lesser  title  than  Colonel,  or  I  mistake  his  as- 
pirations," said  the  Major. 

"  So  be  it,  Major;  with  you  to  reward  me  I 
feel  the  title  is  already  won." 

"  I  have  not  won  that  degree  yet,"  answered 
the  Major;  "it  requires  bravery,  where  cour- 
age leads  to  recklessness  of  life,  and  often- 
times death  is  the  reward." 

Robert  had  now  assumed  the  position  of 
drilling  the  recruits,  and  teaching  them  how  to 
hug  the  saddle  so  as  to  avoid  a  fall.  Likewise 
he  introduced  drills  in  guerrilla  warfare  which 
he  had  learned  from  his  books;  and  the  latter 
were  highly  applauded  by  the  officers,  so  much 
so  that  they  became  a  daily  feature  among 
them. 

Three  weeks  had  passed  in  this  strenuous 

157 


OWL    TOWER 

employment  when  a  despatch-steamer  arrived 
convoyed  by  two  men-of-war. 

The  despatches  were  no  sooner  read  than  the 
bugle  sounded  the  roll  call,  and  the  men  and 
horses  were  restored  to  the  Invincible^  and 
steamed  away. 

"  We  are  bound  for  Delagoa,"  said  Major 
Lunney  privately  to  Robert.  "  It  means 
fight,  but  who  with  is  yet  a  secret.  We  are 
under  sealed  orders  to  the  Governor  of  Natal, 
Sir  George  Colley." 


158 


CHAPTER   XXI 

THE  Christmas  festivities  in  England  had 
been  spent  unabated  in  its  happy  associations, 
unmindful  of  the  rumors  of  war  floating 
through  the  atmosphere.  Indeed  it  is  surpris- 
ing how  unconcerned  the  majority  of  mankind 
are  concerning  these  direful  events  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  world's  progress.  Even  royalty 
itself,  which  is  supposed  to  be  more  deeply 
affected  by  such  grave  undertakings,  tempo- 
rarily cast  aside  the  gloom  naturally  attend- 
ing it. 

What  was  not  known  to  those  who  were 
destined  to  engage  in  the  strife,  was  talked 
about  openly  by  the  merchant;  not  in  the  vein 
of  a  peaceful  solution,  but  as  to  how  it  would 
affect  his  profits. 

The  inhabitants  of  Trewhiddle  were  not 
backward  in  their  enjoyment  of  the  holidays; 
their  homes  were  decorated  with  wreaths  of 
holly,  and  the  mistletoe  hung  from  the  ceilings. 
The  pillars  of  the  old  church  were,  as  usual 

159 


OWL    TOWER 

at  Christmas-time,  festooned  with  ropes  of 
evergreen. 

There  were  two  houses,  however,  in  the 
vicinity  in  which  those  indispensable  emblems 
were  absent.  Squire  John  Coleshill  and  his 
wife  had  never  ceased  to  mourn  their  absent 
son,  and  as  the  day  approached  they  directed 
that  the  usual  festive  ceremonies  be  omitted. 
Gifts  to  the  poor  were  bestowed  through  the 
medium  of  the  vicar  instead  of  at  the  hall  of 
the  mansion,  as  theretofore,  and  the  butler  dis- 
tributed the  presents  to  the  servants. 

Bitter  were  the  tears  that  flowed  down  the 
cheeks  of  the  old  couple  as  the  day  dawned, 
and  they  conversed  sorrowfully  of  him  who 
had  been  so  noble  and  devoted  to  them  from 
his  boyhood. 

"  Not  a  day  during  his  life,"  said  the  old 
Squire,  "  had  he  given  me  one  pang  of  regret 
up  to  the  day  he  left  us." 

"  Never  mind,  my  dear,"  said  his  wife;  "  per- 
haps he  may  be  spared  to  return  to  us,  and  the 
happiness  in  meeting  him  again  will  help  com- 
pensate for  his  present  loss." 

"  It  will  not  ease  our  present  grief,"  replied 
the  old  gentleman. 

160 


OWL     TOWER 

"  Let  us  hope  and  pray,  John,"  his  wife  said 
soothingly. 

"  I  do,  my  dear,  I  pray  until  my  poor  old 
knees  seem  always  in  the  act  of  falling." 

"  Dear,  dear  me,"  said  the  old  lady,  "  who 
would  have  thought  such  sorrow  could  come 
upon  us?  " 

"  It  is  all  owing  to  that  cursed  Tower,  wife ; 
if  it  hadn't  been  there  staring  everybody  in  the 
face  all  these  years,  that  event  pictured  in  the 
hall  would  have  been  forgotten  long  ago.  I 
would  have  it  torn  down  even  now,  but  Robert 
wanted  it  to  remain  to  gratify  Margaret.  I 
wish  that  stork-legged  creature  who  was 
after  her  had  bowled  the  bottom  out  of  it, 
instead  of  making  a  hole  to  let  in  the  day- 
light." 

"  Never  mind,  John;  don't  let  us  refer  to  it 
to-day." 

At  the  castle,  where  Christmas-time  had  al- 
ways been  observed  with  lavish  hospitality, 
quietness  prevailed.  Margaret  had  begged  to 
be  excused  from  appearing  after  dinner,  and 
retired  to  her  room,  where  she  sat  in  deep  rev- 
erie. She  had  visited  the  poorer  families  of 
the  village  several  days  before,  and  attended 

161 


OWL    TOWER 

to  their  needs,  and  had  sent  a  present  to  Jane 
Valtort. 

Margaret  was  disturbed  from  her  reverie  by 
her  maid  handing  her  a  letter.  It  was  sent 
from  Gibraltar,  and  she  opened  it  instantly 
and  eagerly  read  it.  It  was  full  of  hope,  love, 
and  tenderness.  Robert  referred  to  his  good 
fortune  in  falling  in  with  her  uncle,  Major 
Lunney,  of  his  early  appointment  as  subaltern, 
and  his  determination  to  win  laurels  sufficient 
to  gratify  her  father.  He  added,  "  I  know, 
my  dear  Margaret,  you  would  take  me  as  I 
am." 

Margaret  kissed  the  letter;  she  read  and  re- 
read it,  and  pressing  it  to  her  heart  a  while, 
as  though  to  quiet  its  quick  pulsations,  she 
finally  placed  it  in  her  bosom.  Leaning  back 
in  her  chair,  her  thoughts  drifted  away  to  the 
fortress,  of  which  she  had  often  read  at  school, 
and  she  tried  to  picture  the  doings  of  him  who 
was  so  dear  to  her,  and  in  this  mood  she  fell 
asleep  to  dream  of  him. 

Her  dream  was  so  vivid  and  so  impressed 
her  that  she  wrote  it  down  and  referred  to  it 
in  after  years,  and  this  is  what  she  wrote : 


162 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  dreamt  I  was  walking  beside  Robert  in  a  strange 
world,  for  so  the  surroundings  indicated.  The  sky  was 
of  a  leaden  hue,  and  the  sun  appeared  like  a  huge  blue 
ball  just  above  the  horizon,  from  which  it  never  rose  nor 
sank,  but  seemed  immovable.  It  shed  no  brightness  like 
is  known  to  us,  but  cast  a  purple  shade  on  everything. 
The  sward,  bush,  and  tree  were  clothed  alike  in  color 
resembling  the  Copper-Fagus  tree.  No  birds  sang  to 
gladden  us,  no  flower  bloomed  by  the  way.  No  gentle 
breezes  wafted  o'er  us  the  breath  of  life,  and  we  breathed 
not  in  respirations  as  mortals  do;  our  bosoms  remained 
calm  like  unto  the  chiseled  marble.  We  walked  along 
in  silence  until  we  came  to  a  formidable  rock,  and  look- 
ing back,  the  path  by  which  we  came  was  lost  to  us.  As 
we  approached  the  barrier,  a  figure  clad  in  purple  stood 
in  the  entrance  of  a  cave,  and  beckoned  to  us,  and  we 
entered  following  him.  The  cave  within  was  visible  as 
the  scenes  without,  and  we  followed  our  leader  until  we 
reached  its  end,  which  opened  unto  an  ocean  of  water. 
The  waves  exhibited  their  purple  crests,  but  were  im- 
movable; there  was  no  sound  of  mighty  waters.  The 
rocky  barrier  skirting  its  shore  was  hollowed  at  its  base 
by  action  of  the  sea  in  times  long  past,  and  extended  in 
perspective  to  the  horizon.  I  turned  my  eyes  from  the 
desolate  scene  before  me,  and  when  I  turned  them  back 
again,  I  found  myself  alone.  I  hunted  for  the  cave,  but 
it  was  likewise  lost  to  view,  and  I  walked  the  strand  of 
that  rock-bound,  silent  sea,  alone,  for  what  semed  in- 
terminable ages.  My  longing  for  Robert  increased  from 
age  to  age,  until  my  heart  burst  the  bonds  which  held  it, 

163 


OWL    TOWER 

and  my  bosom  heaved,  and  then  I  found  my  voice;  and 
I  cried  out  of  my  heart's  despair,  '  Robert,  come  back  to 
me  ' ;  and  his  voice  came  from  the  horizon,  in  response, 
'  Margaret,  I  am  coming  to  you  ' ;  and  as  I  ran  swiftly 
in  the  direction  of  his  voice,  I  saw  his  form  approaching; 
and  as  we  met,  he  took  me  joyously  in  his  arms,  and  in- 
stantly the  sun  shone  with  its  wonted  luster,  the  waves 
rolled  noisily  upon  the  beach,  and  we  retraced  our  steps 
along  a  golden  strand,  until  we  reached  the  sward,  where 
flowers  bedecked  our  path  and  birds  greeted  us  on  our 
way." 

Robert's  parents  also  received  a  letter  from 
him,  which  helped  to  assuage  their  grief,  al- 
though their  fears  were  not  relieved.  The  old 
Squire  walked  in  the  direction  of  the  tower, 
and  standing  at  a  distance  from  it,  shook  his 
fist  at  it,  exclaiming :  "  Robert  may  yet  suc- 
ceed in  counteracting  your  evil  influence." 


164 


CHAPTER   XXII 

TOWARDS  the  end  of  September,  1880,  an 
English  officer  secretly  left  Pretoria,  and  pro- 
ceeding cautiously  around  the  outskirts  of  the 
thickly  settled  districts,  succeeded  in  reaching 
the  veldt  unobserved;  then  putting  spurs  to 
his  horse,  sped  across  the  plains  in  the  direction 
of  Natal.  A  few  days  earlier  and  the  event 
would  have  been  looked  upon  as  of  ordinary 
occurrence,  as  nothing  had  openly  transpired 
to  create  suspicion  of  any  contemplated  upris- 
ing among  the  inhabitants  of  the  Transvaal; 
although  it  was  known  to  prominent  English- 
men at  the  capital — who  had  been  stationed 
there  since  the  year  1877,  by  virtue  of  a  proc- 
lamation making  the  Transvaal  part  of  the 
British  Empire — that  although  a  majority  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Pretoria  had  agreed  to  the 
terms  submitted  by  the  English,  as  the  only 
means  of  preventing  themselves  from  being 
swept  off  the  face  of  the  earth  by  a  combina- 

165 


OWL    TOWER 

tion  of  Zulus  and  Makatus,  who  were  con- 
stantly threatening  them,  yet  the  President,  S. 
J.  Paul  Kriiger,  had  from  the  outset  protested 
against  it,  and  had  recently  been  holding  secret 
interviews  with  two  prominent  Boers,  General 
J.  P.  Joubert  and  M.  W.  Pretorius. 

It  was  not  at  first  deemed  of  sufficient  im- 
portance to  suspect  them  of  intriguing  to  over- 
throw existing  conditions,  but  at  last  other 
prominent  Boers  having  been  invited  to  the 
meetings,  it  was  thought  advisable  to  notify 
the  Governor  of  Natal  to  be  in  readiness  with 
his  forces. 

Sir  George  Colley  deemed  the  matter  suffi- 
ciently grave  to  notify  the  Home  Government 
to  be  prepared  in  case  of  emergency,  and  the 
Admiralty  took  the  precaution  to  send  the 
Invincible  to  Gibraltar  to  await  developments. 

Subsequent  revelations  made  it  necessary  to 
order  the  Invincible  to  proceed  to  her  des- 
tination, and  in  the  latter  part  of  January, 
1881,  the  man-of-war  landed  the  consignment 
of  soldiers,  horses,  and  accouterments  at  the 
port  of  Natal. 

The  Boers  had  already  entered  into  a  solemn 
league  and  covenant  at  Paardekraal  or  Kru- 

166 


OWL    TOWER 

gersdorp,  and  a  proclamation  was  issued  once 
more,  proclaiming  the  Republic.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  exhibit  their  independence  by  defy- 
ing and  attacking  the  small  detachments  of 
British  troops  scattered  over  the  large  terri- 
tory. 

Information  concerning  these  depredations 
was  brought  to  Natal,  and  Sir  George  Colley 
instantly  mustered  the  new  forces  with  those 
stationed  at  Natal,  making  a  force  of  nine  hun- 
dred men,  and  marched  in  a  northeasterly  di- 
rection. 

Before  he  could  reach  the  Transvaal  border 
a  strong  contingent  of  Boers  took  up  a  posi- 
tion at  Laing's  Nek — a  ridge  some  five  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  level  of  the  plain,  over 
which  runs  the  principal  road  from  Natal  into 
the  Transvaal — and  encamped  just  behind  the 
top  of  the  ridge,  commanding  a  sweep  of  the 
road  in  both  directions. 

As  soon  as  the  outriders  brought  word  of 
the  Boer  position,  the  British  forces,  compris- 
ing parts  of  the  Fifty-eighth  Regiment,  the 
Sixtieth  Rifles,  and  the  Naval  Brigade,  with 
six  guns  and  two  gatlings,  set  out  from  New- 
castle under  Sir  George  Colley;  and  on  the 

167 


OWL     TOWER 

afternoon  of  January  27,  1881,  pitched  their 
tents  on  a  hillside  about  one  hour's  journey 
south  of  the  Nek. 

Soon  after  daybreak  on  the  following  morn- 
ing they  marched  across  the  ridge  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  Boer  encampment. 

The  Boers  had  discovered  the  presence  of 
the  British  forces  and,  nothing  daunted,  many 
of  them  descended  the  ridge  and  lay  concealed 
behind  the  kopjes,  to  await  their  approach. 

The  British  no  sooner  commenced  to  climb 
the  slope  of  isolated  hill  on  their  right  than 
they  came  under  fire  of  the  Boers.  The 
troops  charged  up  the  hill,  notwithstanding  the 
Boer  rifles  picked  them  off  man  by  man. 
They  were  courageously  led  by  Major  Brown- 
low  and  Troop  Sergeant-Ma j  or  Lunney,  who 
were  the  first  to  gain  the  ridge,  accompanied 
by  their  battalions.  The  Boers  were  so  scat- 
tered and  hidden  behind  the  kopjes  that  there 
was  no  opportunity  to  discover  them  until  the 
fatal  discharge  of  their  rifles.  Many  of  the 
soldiers  fell  without  having  fired  a  shot. 
Major  Brownlow's  horse  was  shot  under  him, 
and  Sergeant-Ma  j  or  Lunney  was  instantly 
killed.  Robert  Coleshill,  who  rode  close  beside 

168 


OWL     TOWER 

him,  sprang  from  his  horse,  and  finding  his 
devoted  friend  was  dead,  sorrowfully  re- 
mounted his  charger  and  spurred  it  viciously 
forward.  Major  Brownlow  shot  the  Boer 
leader,  and  continued  to  lead  his  men,  who, 
with  Robert  Coleshill,  now  crowned  the 
ridge. 

If  the  other  regiments  had  promptly  sup- 
ported him,  the  hill  had  been  won;  for  the 
Boers  had  already  begun  to  retire,  and  many 
were  running  to  their  horses,  although  scores 
of  them  who  were  hidden  in  rocky  defiles  kept 
up  a  withering  fire;  and  the  hill  was  so  steep 
many  of  the  horses  of  the  mounted  troops,  be- 
ing insufficiently  trained  to  fire,  refused  to  as- 
cend. Consequently  the  support  troops  were 
checked;  the  leading  troops,  fatigued  and 
broken  by  the  charge,  could  not  push  on,  and 
the  whole  gave  way  down  the  hill. 

The  main  attack  having  failed,  it  became 
necessary  to  withdraw  the  advanced  troops. 
The  Boers,  on  the  watch,  signaled  to  their 
escaping  companions,  and  they  began  to  show 
in  increasing  numbers,  going  in  the  direction 
of  the  left  flank.  Robert  Coleshill  divined 
their  intention  and  riding  rapidly  in  that  direc- 

169 


OWL    TOWER 

tion,  led  the  troops  to  a  place  of  safety  behind 
the  opposite  ridge. 

Later  in  the  day  an  armistice  was  declared, 
and  all  the  wounded  and  dead  were  brought 
into  camp  that  evening,  the  dead  being  buried 
under  a  flag  of  truce. 

Robert  sorrowfully  escorted  the  body  of 
Major  Lunney  from  the  field,  and  had  a  sepa- 
rate grave  dug  for  him,  and  marked  the  spot 
where  he  lay  buried. 

There  is  little  time  for  grief  in  warfare,  and 
after  Sir  George  Colley  had  made  a  list  of  the 
dead  and  wounded,  he  made  preparations  for 
continuing  his  expedition.  He  was  compelled 
to  elevate  many  of  the  men  from  the  ranks  to 
fill  the  positions  of  officers  who  had  been  killed 
and  wounded;  and  Robert,  on  account  of  his 
bravery  in  rescuing  the  left  wing  from  its 
treacherous  position,  was  elevated  to  the  rank 
of  captain. 

Some  days  later  the  British  troops  had  an- 
other engagement  at  S  chain  Hooghte,  where 
the  position  held  by  the  Boers  was  so  impreg- 
nable, and  their  mode  of  guerrilla  warfare  so 
disastrous,  without  giving  the  soldiers  an 
opportunity  even  to  sight  the  enemy,  it  was 

170 


OWL     TOWER 

found  advisable  to  retire,  after  receiving 
another  reverse. 

Finally  there  came  the  last  and  greatest  dis- 
aster— Majuba  Hill.  The  British  troops,  led 
by  their  officers,  again  and  again  stepped  for- 
ward over  the  dead  bodies  of  their  comrades  as 
the  rifles  of  the  Boers  shot  down  those  before 
them;  the  height  they  tried  to  reach  was 
guarded  by  a  range  of  deadly  rifles  which 
poured  unceasingly  upon  them.  At  last  Rob- 
ert Coleshill  saw  his  opportunity,  and  spurring 
his  steed,  reached  a  height  commanding  the 
Boer  position,  and  being  immediately  sup- 
ported by  his  men,  succeeded  in  dislodging  the 
enemy;  but  alas!  the  terrible  discovery  was 
soon  made  that  the  ammunition  had  given  out, 
and  the  devoted  handful  of  men  were  reduced 
to  the  degrading  extremity  of  throwing  stones 
at  their  fleeing  enemies. 

Discovering  the  awful  predicament  the 
British  soldiers  were  in,  the  Boers  amassed  and 
rushed  down  upon  the  main  body.  General 
Sir  George  Colley,  together  with  nearly  all  his 
officers  and  ninety-one  of  his  men,  was  killed, 
and  fifty-nine  were  taken  prisoners. 

This  terrible  disaster  was  reported  by  the 
171 


OWL    TOWER 

surviving  officer  in  charge,  to  the  Home  Gov- 
ernment, and  the  newspapers  of  the  day  in  giv- 
ing an  account  of  the  dead  and  missing 
included  the  name  of  Robert  Coleshill  among 
the  latter,  recounting  his  great  courage  and 
bravery. 


172 


CHAPTER   XXIII 

BEFORE  leaving  Gibraltar,  Robert  wrote  a  few 
hurried  lines  to  his  father  notifying  him  of 
his  destination,  and  begging  his  parents  not  to 
worry  over  him,  as  he  hoped  soon  to  return 
to  them.  He  likewise  sent  a  letter  to  Mar- 
garet, full  of  longing  to  see  her,  concluding 
with  the  words :  ;<  Wait  for  me,  my  darling, 
I  will  soon  be  back  to  the  old  tower  and  to 
you." 

The  letter  to  his  parents  only  tended  to  in- 
crease their  discomfort,  for  they  could  imagine 
nothing  but  disaster  to  their  son. 

Margaret  retired  to  her  room  with  Robert's 
letter,  as  was  her  wont  to  do,  and  after  read- 
ing it  she  fell  on  her  knees  and  remained  in 
that  attitude  so  long  that  her  maid  was  con- 
strained to  arouse  her;  thereupon  Margaret 
looked  at  the  girl  with  a  dazed  countenance, 
and  as  she  staggered  to  her  feet,  the  maid  as- 
sisted her  to  a  chair. 

"  I  have  been  far  away  in  my  thoughts," 
173 


OWL    TOWER 

Margaret  remarked,  and  then  she  again  re- 
sumed a  pensive  attitude. 

About  this  time  the  daily  newspapers  com- 
menced to  teem  with  news  regarding  a  possible 
war  with  the  Boers,  and  long  before  there  was 
any  conflict  prophesied  the  latter's  downfall 
after  the  first  attack;  not  deeming  it  possible 
that  such  an  insignificant  enemy,  compara- 
tively, could  prove  so  formidable. 

Margaret  anxiously  scanned  the  papers 
from  day  to  day.  The  battle  of  Laing's  Nek 
and  the  killing  of  her  uncle  was  supplemented 
with  the  bravery  of  Robert  Coleshill,  and  Mar- 
garet's regret  at  the  death  of  the  former  was 
modified  in  her  anxiety  for  her  lover. 

At  last  the  disastrous  event  of  Majuba  Hill 
created  a  profound  sensation  throughout  Eng- 
land; they  had  mistaken  the  fighting  qualities 
of  their  enemies,  and  had  suffered  defeat. 

Squire  John  read  the  unwelcome  news,  and 
tearing  away  the  page  which  contained  it,  hid 
his  sorrow  from  his  wife  by  taking  himself  to 
the  woodlands,  where  he  poured  out  his  grief 
unseen. 

Sir  Joseph  watched  his  daughter  scan  the 
page  and  hastily  leave  the  drawing-room  with 

174 


OWL     TOWER 

agony  depicted  on  her  countenance;  and  fear- 
ing a  repetition  of  her  former  grief,  he  awaited 
with  dreadful  suspense,  and  finally  went  to 
her  room,  where  he  found  her  seated  with  her 
head  bowed  in  her  hands. 

Placing  his  hand  affectionately  on  his 
daughter's  head,  he  said:  "  I  wouldn't  take  it 
too  much  to  heart,  Margaret." 

"  I  might  have  been  saved  all  this  sorrow, 
papa,"  was  all  she  answered;  and  Sir  Joseph 
returned  to  the  drawing-room,  dejected  over 
the  unhappiness  that  had  come  to  his  favorite 
daughter,  and  the  gloom  which  had  spread  over 
his  household. 


175 


CHAPTER   XXIV 

THE  fight  at  Majuba  Hill  was  conducted  in 
such  a  sanguinary  manner  no  opportunity  was 
afforded  the  officers  to  look  about  them  to  dis- 
cover the  havoc  the  Boer  rifles  had  committed 
among  their  regiments.  Each  officer  strived  to 
gain  the  ascent  in  order  to  obtain  a  better  view 
of  the  enemy,  who,  hidden  behind  the  hills  and 
numerous  kopjes,  could  only  be  located  from 
below  by  the  smoke  following  the  incessant 
ping,  ping  of  their  rifles. 

It  is  impossible  to  conceive  what  motive  in- 
spired General  Sir  George  Colley  and  his  of- 
ficers to  lead  their  devoted  regiments  up  a  steep 
stony  embankment,  in  the  face  of  a  withering 
discharge  of  rifles,  whose  effectiveness  had 
been  already  experienced  in  the  two  previous 
battles  of  Laing's  Nek  and  Schain  Hooghte, 
and  which  now,  early  in  the  fight,  was  proving 
fatal  to  so  many  of  them.  Even  the  sense  of 
duty,  and  the  abnormal  courage  superinduced 
in  the  effort  to  suppress  an  outbreak  in  its  in- 

176 


OWL     TOWER 

cipiency,  are  insufficient  to  explain  the  deadly 
mistake. 

As  soon  as  Robert  Coleshill  succeeded  in 
reaching  the  summit  of  Majuba  Hill,  and 
made  the  horrible  discovery  that  his  faithful 
followers  were  without  ammunition,  he  glanced 
eagerly  down  the  slope  which  he  had  traversed ; 
and  as  soon  as  he  saw  the  heaps  of  dead,  and 
the  broken  regiments  without  a  leader,  he  real- 
ized the  hopelessness  of  the  undertaking;  and 
for  a  brief  moment  his  heart  sank  within  him, 
as  he  reflected  that  what  he  had  striven  and 
risked  his  life  for  was  lost  to  him. 

There  was  no  time  for  reflection,  however, 
for  already  the  Boers  had  taken  advantage  of 
the  discomfiture  of  the  troops,  to  amass  and 
make  them  prisoners. 

Seeing  this,  Robert  called  to  his  men  to  fol- 
low him,  and  with  sword  in  hand  rushed  down 
the  hill,  calling  to  the  fleeing  soldiers  to  halt, 
but  it  was  in  vain;  they  were  panic-stricken 
and  could  not  be  restrained  in  their  flight. 

At  this  juncture  a  Boer  commando  swooped 
down  upon  Robert's  little  band  and  demanded 
its  surrender. 

"  You  take  us  unarmed,"  said  Robert. 
177 


OWL    TOWER 

"  So  much  the  better,  Rooinek,"  replied  the 
leader,  "  for  opposition  would  cause  your 
death.  Form  in  line  and  march  after  me," 
then  turning  his  horse  up  the  slope,  the  pris- 
oners followed  in  silence,  urged  on  by  the  Boer 
horsemen  who  rode  close  to  their  heels. 

Reaching  the  ridge,  they  took  the  road  lead- 
ing into  the  Transvaal,  and  after  proceeding 
a  short  distance  halted  behind  the  shelter  of  a 
rock,  where  a  store  of  provisions  had  been  laid 
up  in  a  rough  structure  of  stones.  A  few 
strips  of  bilting  and  some  mealies  were  distrib- 
uted to  each  man,  both  Boers  and  prisoners, 
and  after  being  joined  by  other  groups  of 
Boers,  each  accompanied  by  a  few  prisoners, 
they  again  proceeded  on  their  journey,  the 
Boers  on  horseback  and  the  prisoners  on  foot. 

Towards  nightfall  they  camped  in  a  kloop 
or  ravine,  posting  sentries  to  guard  against 
surprise. 

Robert  Coleshill  had  already  accustomed 
himself  to  the  hardships  of  war,  and  bore  them 
with  an  uncomplaining  grace  unequaled  by 
the  veterans;  indeed  he  seemed  to  be  oblivious 
to  all  the  inconveniences  attending  camp-life. 
The  first  night  in  the  Boer  camp  he  lay  prone 

178 


OWL    TOWER 

on  the  ground,  his  head  resting  on  his  arm ;  the 
fatigue  resulting  from  the  forced  journey  of 
several  miles  over  the  uneven  road  had  pro- 
duced a  lethargy  which  the  excitement  of  the 
morning's  battle  was  unable  to  overcome;  and 
he  sank  into  a  profound  sleep  which  lasted  un- 
til the  stir  about  camp  at  dawn  awoke  him. 

Following  the  example  of  the  rest,  Robert 
sat  on  a  rock  and  began  to  breakfast  by  cut- 
ting off  pieces  of  bilting  with  a  clasp-knife. 
Some  of  the  prisoners  had  prepared  a  warm 
repast  out  of  the  Boer  provender,  and  one  of 
them  seeing  Robert  thus  engaged,  took  him  a 
cup  of  the  broth,  which  he  eagerly  swallowed, 
saying  to  the  soldier:  "I  must  not  faint  by 
the  wayside,  for  I  have  much  to  live  for." 

"  I  wish  I  could  say  as  much,  sir,"  the  soldier 
replied;  "  I  entered  the  army  because  hope  was 
lost  to  me." 

"She  married  another?  "  queried  Robert. 

"  Her  parents  thought  I  was  not  good 
enough,"  replied  the  soldier,  "and  they  pre- 
vented her  from  seeing  me,  and  she  died." 

"  Poor  fellow,"  ejaculated  Robert,  as  the 
soldier  strode  back  to  his  companions.  "  He 
seeks  repose,  yet  cannot  find  it  even  here  where 

179 


OWL    TOWER 

so  many  of  his  comrades  have  found  eternal 
rest." 

There  was  little  time  for  meditation,  for  in  a 
short  time  they  were  again  on  the  march.  The 
cavalcade  moved  forward  as  rapidly  as  the 
stony  nature  of  the  road  would  admit,  and  fre- 
quently stopped  for  a  few  minutes  to  give  the 
prisoners  an  opportunity  to  rest.  Some  of 
the  latter  varied  the  monotony  of  the  jour- 
ney by  repeating  stories  of  their  experiences  in 
former  battles.  In  this  manner  they  jour- 
neyed for  five  successive  days,  and  were  pro- 
ceeding on  the  Rand  Berg,  intending  to  cross 
the  veldt  towards  Heidelburg,  when  just  after 
entering  a  rocky  defile  a  discharge  of  bullets 
greeted  them  from  the  rocks  above,  accom- 
panied by  fearful  yells.  Several  of  the  Boers 
fell  from  their  horses  and  a  panic  ensued. 
The  Boers  immediately  recognizing  their  in- 
veterate enemies,  the  Zulus,  and  realizing  the 
futility  of  giving  them  battle,  put  spurs  to 
their  horses,  and  the  prisoners  fearing  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  savages,  took  to  their 
heels,  following  their  captors  and  leaving  their 
dead  behind  them. 

Robert  Coleshill,  hoping  to  make  his  escape 

180 


OWL     TOWER 

in  the  confusion  that  followed,  threw  himself 
on  the  ground  and  lay  as  if  dead. 

The  savages  after  discharging  their  rifles 
sprang  from  behind  the  rocks  and  began  to 
strip  the  dead.  Coming  to  Robert,  they 
turned  him  over  and  proceeded  to  unbutton 
his  coat,  and  a  dusky  hand  grasped  the  minia- 
ture which  he  carried  suspended  from  his  neck. 
Immediately  Robert  seized  the  hand  and, 
springing  to  his  feet,  commenced  to  rebutton 
his  coat,  glaring  at  the  savages  surrounding 
him,  who  after  the  first  moment  of  their  sur- 
prise at  his  sudden  resurrection  began  to  dance 
in  a  circle  about  him. 

"  A  Rooinek,"  exclaimed  one  of  the  savages, 
and  they  took  him  by  the  arms  and  led  him  out 
of  the  defile  back  in  the  direction  he  had  jour- 
neyed with  the  Boers,  and  after  crossing  the 
berg  at  a  point  less  difficult  of  ascent,  descended 
into  the  opposite  valley. 

They  journeyed  until  nightfall,  when  they 
encamped  in  the  open,  placing  their  prisoner 
in  the  center;  sentinels  being  posted  to  keep 
watch  upon  him  and  to  guard  against  sur- 
prises. 

Soon   after  daybreak  they  resumed  their 

181 


OWL    TOWER 

journey,  and  after  proceeding  some  distance, 
encamped  by  the  side  of  a  stream,  and  catch- 
ing a  few  barbers  and  yellow  fish  therein,  they 
prepared  a  meal. 

On  the  third  day  they  reached  the  banks  of 
the  White  Umvolos  River  at  a  spot  where  sev- 
eral canoes  were  in  waiting;  and  embarking 
they  paddled  down  the  river,  stopping  fre- 
quently to  carry  the  canoes  over  the  falls  with 
which  the  river  abounded,  and  on  the  fifth  day 
they  reached  Uhlundi,  the  Zulu  capital. 

Robert  was  taken  at  once  before  King  Cete- 
wayo,  who  had  learned  sufficient  of  the  English 
language  to  welcome  him  with  a  few  guttural 
sounds. 

Towards  night  Cetewayo  addressed  one  of 
his  attendants,  and  Robert  was  consigned  to  a 
hut  on  the  outskirts  of  the  kraal,  and  a  female 
Zulu  attendant  was  appointed  to  wait  upon 
him. 

Completely  tired  out  with  his  constant 
traveling,  Robert  lay  down  on  some  skins 
which  the  woman  had  spread  inside  the  hut,  and 
placing  his  hand  on  the  miniature,  let  his 
thoughts  dwell  upon  her  for  whom  he  had 
risked  his  happiness. 

182 


OWL    TOWER 

He  had  not  remained  thus  very  long  before 
he  was  disturbed  by  a  hideous  noise  proceeding 
from  the  beating  of  tom-toms  and  blaring  of 
bullock's  horns  outside  his  hut,  and  arising,  he 
motioned  the  assembly  away.  Failing  to  de- 
sist, he  pelted  them  with  stones,  at  which  his 
attendant,  who  sat  outside  the  hut,  clapped  her 
hands  and  laughed  with  great  glee. 

Having  been  disturbed  from  his  reverie,  the 
sleep  which  was  stealing  over  him  likewise  van- 
ished, so  he  walked  up  and  down  in  the  vicinity 
of  his  hut,  gazing  at  the  moon,  which  shone 
brightly  upon  the  kraal  and  revealed  sentinels 
posted  here  and  there  about  the  settlement, 
one  of  whom  was  intent  upon  watching  him. 
His  thoughts  again  reverted  to  his  love — for 
never  since  his  departure,  not  even  in  active 
warfare,  had  he  forgotten  her — and  he  won- 
dered if  she,  too,  were  thinking  of  him. 

At  last  he  stopped  at  the  entrance  of  his  hut, 
and,  peering  in,  discovered  the  woman  had 
taken  possession  of  his  couch;  and  being  too 
disgusted  to  remonstrate,  he  lay  himself  on  the 
ground  in  the  open,  as  he  had  done  many  times 
on  the  battlefield,  and  fixing  his  gaze  on  the 
heavens,  finally  fell  asleep. 

183 


OWL     TOWER 

When  he  awoke  in  the  early  morning  he  was 
disgusted  to  find  the  woman  lying  beside  him, 
with  her  arm  encircling  him.  He  seized  her 
arm  and  thrust  it  from  him  in  his  anger,  thus 
awakening  her ;  at  the  same  time,  springing  to 
his  feet,  he  shook  his  fist  at  her.  She  in  re- 
turn arose  and  made  a  hideous  face  at  him, 
shutting  her  eyes  and  sticking  out  her  tongue ; 
and  for  the  remainder  of  that  day,  and 
for  a  considerable  time  afterwards,  whenever 
Robert  came  across  her  path,  she  assumed  the 
same  attitude  towards  him;  yet  notwithstand- 
ing these  outward  signs  of  rebellion,  she 
brought  him  gourds  filled  with  salmagundi, 
prepared  for  the  King,  and  it  was  not  until 
long  afterwards  that  Robert  discovered  that 
Cetewayo  had  bestowed  a  daughter  of  his 
household  upon  him  to  wait  upon  him,  as  a 
mark  of  royal  favor. 


184 


CHAPTER  XXV 

ALTHOUGH  a  peace  settlement  was  arrived  at 
between  the  English  and  the  Boers  shortly 
after  the  disastrous  fight  at  Majuba  Hill,  the 
newspapers  for  some  time  thereafter  gave  ac- 
counts of  the  arrival  at  Natal  of  soldiers  re- 
ported as  missing. 

Margaret  eagerly  scanned  these  reports,  but 
no  mention  was  made  of  the  discovery  of  Rob- 
ert Coleshill. 

The  Admiralty  Office  had  replied  to  letters 
both  from  Squire  Coleshill  and  Margaret  that 
the  name  of  Robert  Coleshill  had  not  been  re- 
ported among  the  dead,  and  encouraged  them 
to  hope  that  he  might  be  discovered  among  one 
or  other  of  the  tribes  friendly  to  the  British. 

For  a  few  days  after  the  announcement  of 
the  disaster  Margaret  secluded  herself;  but 
finally  she  resumed  her  walks  about  the  estate, 
and  was  observed  to  make  frequent  trips  to  the 
tower,  where  she  remained  for  hours  at  a  time. 

She  kept  up  a  weekly  correspondence  with 

185 


OWL    TOWER 

Jane  Valtort,  and  in  one  letter  gave  her  a  brief 
account  of  the  mystery  attending  her  sweet- 
heart. 

Later  on  Jane  Valtort  wrote  that  her  wed- 
ding day  had  been  fixed,  and  sent  a  pressing 
invitation.  Margaret  sent  a  wedding  present, 
but  excused  herself,  however,  as  being  entirely 
too  unhappy  to  participate  in  the  ceremony. 

As  the  weeks  and  months  rolled  by  she 
seemed  to  have  fully  recoverd  from  her  grief, 
and,  followed  by  a  groom,  took  long  rides  al- 
most daily  through  the  country. 


186 


'At  sight  of  Lillipopo  the  Zulu  threw  himself 
on  the  floor  of  the  veranda." 


CHAPTER   XXVI 

IN  the  month  of  August,  1882,  a  small  band 
of  Zulu  warriors  rode  into  the  courtyard  sur- 
rounding the  Governor's  residence  at  Natal, 
and  one  of  them  dismounted  and  taking  a 
large  horn  of  the  Koodoo,  on  which  was  en- 
graved a  number  of  hieroglyphics,  proceeded 
to  the  mansion,  where  he  was  met  by  Colonel 
Ridgway,  who  was  in  charge  during  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Governor. 

The  Zulu  salaamed  and  handed  Colonel 
Ridgway  the  horn,  saying  in  tolerably  good 
English:  "For  Princess  Lillipopo  Isand- 
lana." 

Colonel  Ridgway  took  the  horn  and,  re- 
questing the  warrior  to  remain,  entered  the 
building,  from  which  he  presently  emerged  ac- 
companied by  Lillipopo,  bearing  the  horn  in 
her  hands. 

At  sight  of  Lillipopo  the  Zulu  threw  him- 
self on  the  floor  of  the  veranda  at  her  feet. 
Lillipopo  addressed  him  in  his  own  language, 
and  as  he  failed  to  respond,  she  exclaimed: 

187 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Stand  up,  man;  I  don't  require  such  servil- 
ity; "  then  addressing  Colonel  Ridgway,  she 
said:  "  King  Cetewayo  desires  me  to  visit 
him,  and  I  have  no  desire  to  do  so;  on  the  con- 
trary, I  abhor  the  very  thought  of  going 
among  those  savages." 

"You  forget,  Miss  Isandlana,"  he  replied, 
"  that  King  Cetewayo  has  a  claim  upon  you, 
which  this  request  might  be  considered  a  part 
of  your  obligation  to  gratify." 

"  You  must  pardon  me,  Colonel  Ridgway, 
for  saying  it  is  a  matter  of  diplomacy  for  you 
to  support  King  Cetewayo's  claim;  but  I  have 
not  a  particle  of  respect  for  the  old  savage.  I 
consider  the  English  Government  very  lax  in 
not  avenging  the  murder  of  my  father;  possi- 
bly I  may  construe  their  non-action  as  another 
act  of  diplomacy? " 

"  In  warfare,  Miss  Isandlana,"  answered 
Colonel  Ridgway,  "horrible  deeds  are  com- 
mitted which  the  contestants  are  anxious  to 
forget  as  soon  as  hostilities  cease." 

"  I  am  not  disposed  to  be  subjected  to  a  law 
which  shirks  its  duties,"  replied  Lillipopo. 

'*  We  are  all  subject  to  some  form  of  gov- 
ernment," retorted  the  Colonel;  "and  Cete- 

188 


OWL1    TOWER 

wayo,  notwithstanding  he  is  permitted  to  gov- 
ern his  own  people,  is  likewise  subject  to  the 
authority  of  the  British." 

"  It  is  well  known  I  am  not  a  native  of  Zulu- 
land,"  Lillipopo  replied ;  "  therefore  I  am  not 
subject  to  the  ruling  of  Cetewayo." 

"  It  is  unfortunate  you  are  a  woman," 
replied  Colonel  Ridgway ;  "if  you  were  a  man, 
the  importance  of  your  position  might  be  made 
clear  to  you.  A  man  would  grasp  the  oppor- 
tunity and  become  great ;  as  it  is,  I  fear  I  must 
report  to  the  Home  Government  that  you  are 
a  failure  and  a " 

"Fraud,"  exclaimed  Lillipopo  angrily; 
"  you  might  as  well  say  it  out,  for  you  military 
men  have  a  vulgar  way  of  expressing  your- 
selves." 

"  Miss  Isandlana,  martial  law,  which  for- 
gets the  dead,  is  ever  mindful  of  the  living, 
in  seeing  they  perform  their  duty;  therefore 
your  reproof  comes  ill-advised,  especially  as 
you  have  been  fostered  and  a  careful  educa- 
tion given  to  you  by  my  government." 

"  That  does  not  entitle  you  to  enslave  my 
thoughts,  sir,"  answered  Lillipopo. 

"  I  had  no  desire  to  treat  you  otherwise  than 
189 


OWL    TOWER 

as  a  parent  would  his  child,"  answered  the  Col- 
onel, "  and  were  you  my  daughter  I  would  re- 
joice at  the  opportunity  open  to  you." 

"  Will  you  kindly  reveal  to  me  what  that 
opportunity  is? " 

"  Nothing  more  nor  less  than  that  you  might 
become  reigning  queen  over  the  Zulus,"  replied 
the  Colonel. 

"  It  is  too  ridiculous  to  contemplate,"  re- 
plied Lillipopo,  laughing  loudly.  "  The  idea 
of  a  girl  educated  among  young  English 
ladies  being  destined  to  reign  over  a  lot  of 
blood-thirsty  savages!  And  supposing  I  de- 
cline the  honor,  Colonel  Ridgway?  " 

"  I  will  guarantee,"  replied  the  Colonel, 
somewhat  warmly,  "  if  I  were  to  advertise  in 
the  English  papers  for  a  young  lady  educated 
in  one  of  the  seminaries  to  go  to  Zululand  and 
become  a  maid-of -honor  at  King  Cetewayo's 
palace,  thousands  would  answer  it." 

"  I  daresay  they  would,"  replied  Lillipopo 
sarcastically;  "but  if  you  were  to  substitute 
the  words  '  Cetewayo's  Kraal '  instead  of 
'  palace,'  and  further  state  that  clothing  is  at 
a  premium,  you  might  get  just  the  kind  of 
answers  you  deserved." 

190 


OWL     TOWER 

Colonel  Ridgway  looked  at  Lillipopo  in- 
tently for  a  few  moments,  as  though  ponder- 
ing over  her  words,  and  finally  said: 

"  Well,  you  can  suit  yourself.  Cetewayo 
sent  you  here  several  years  ago,  giving  your 
name  as  Lillipopo  Isandlana,  stating  you  had 
been  saved  by  one  of  his  warriors  from  the 
massacre  at  Isandlana,  and  that  he  desired  you 
to  be  educated  in  the  best  manner  possible  and 
returned  to  him,  with  the  object  in  view  of 
adopting  you  as  his  daughter,  and  thus  having 
you  to  preside  at  his  court,  and  teach  his  peo- 
ple. The  ultimate  good  your  influence  might 
bring  about  among  the  natives  so  appealed  to 
the  Home  Government  they  immediately  pro- 
ceeded to  carry  out  Cetewayo's  wishes,  not 
dreaming,  I  suppose,  that  they  were  dealing 
with  another  kind  of  savage  in  you." 
'  Thank  you,"  said  Lillipopo. 

"  You  are  quite  welcome,  I'm  sure," 
answered  Colonel  Ridgway ;  "  and  now  we  un- 
derstand each  other,  let  me  suggest,  without 
meaning  any  affront,  that  as  the  Home  Gov- 
ernment has  kindly  taken  such  a  selfish  inter- 
est in  you,  would  it  not  be  well  for  you  to 
continue  in  its  good  graces,  particularly  as  a, 


OWL     TOWER 

substantial  pension  is  paid  by  it  for  your  sup- 
port, conditional  on  your  good  behavior? 
Likewise,  Cetewayo  sends  a  small  fortune  in 
ivory  every  year  for  your  benefit.  May  I  ask 
what  his  message  is?  " 

"  He  writes  to  this  effect :  *  Cetewayo  longs 
to  see  his  lost  daughter,  his  white  queen.  The 
moon  is  paling  with  him,  and  the  sun  goes  to 
sleep  without  warming  him.  Come  to  him  be- 
fore the  sun  ceases  to  rise.  A  beautiful  youth 
awaits  you.' ' 

"  How  can  you  withstand  such  an  appeal  as 
that? "  asked  the  Colonel. 

"  I  can't  help  the  sun  not  warming  him," 
answered  Lillipopo. 

"  No, '  but  the  beautiful  youth  '?  Don't  you 
see  how  anxious  he  is  to  provide  for  your 
happiness? " 

"  Another  poor  child  stolen,  and  possibly 
his  parents  butchered,"  responded  Lillipopo. 

At  last  Colonel  Ridgway  adopted  a  more 
serious  mood  and  said: 

'  You  might  do  a  signal  service  to  the  gov- 
ernment, Miss  Isandlana,  and  at  the  same  time 
put  an  extra  feather  in  your  hat,  by  paying  a 
visit  to  Cetewayo ;  for  it  is  quite  possible  some 

192 


OWL     TOWER 

of  our  soldiers  who  are  missing  may  be  among 
the  Zulus,  unable  to  free  themselves,  which  by 
your  instrumentality  can  be  effected." 

"  I  will  go,"  Lillipopo  replied  with  evident 
unwillingness,  "  but  I  will  return  after  a  few 
days." 

"  I  trust  you  will,"  replied  the  Colonel,  "  or 
I  will  send  you  a  message  which  will  eclipse 
Cetewayo's  in  total  obscurity." 


193 


CHAPTER   XXVII 

THE  following  day  Lillipopo  left  Natal  with 
the  Zulu  warriors  and  accompanied  by  a 
Kaffir  woman  as  attendant. 

The  journey  was  accomplished  without  any 
difficulty,  aside  from  the  usual  hardships,  and 
on  the  eighth  day  she  reached  Uhlundi. 

As  Lillipopo  rode  up  to  Cetewayo's  Kraal 
the  old  king  rushed  towards  her,  and  lifting 
her  from  the  saddle  embraced  her,  and  led  her 
to  the  door  of  his  hut,  where  he  spread  a  mat 
with  his  own  hands  and  sat  her  down;  then 
squatting  himself  opposite  to  her,  he  gazed 
upon  her  long  and  intently,  at  intervals  ques- 
tioning her  in  Zulu  concerning  her  education 
and  her  treatment  at  Natal.  Evidently  sat- 
isfied with  her  answers,  he  clapped  his  hands, 
and  two  women  appeared  and  spread  matting 
on  the  ground,  on  which  they  arrayed  a  repast. 

As  soon  as  the  meal  was  dispensed  with 
Cetewayo  conversed  with  her  in  Zulu  to  the 
following  effect : 

"  Lillipopo,  I  have  been  planning  for  your 
194 


welfare,  so  that  you  will  be  content  to  live 
among  us ;  and  in  pursuit  thereof  I  sent  a  band 
of  warriors  to  reconnoitre  around  the  camp  at 
Natal,  to  steal  an  English  officer  for  you. 
They  succeeded  in  getting  one  whom  I  think 
will  please  you." 

"  King  Cetewayo,"  replied  Lillipopo,  some- 
what alarmed,  "  civilized  woman  does  not  ob- 
tain her  husband  by  stealing  him;  she  first 
takes  a  liking  to  him,  and  then  must  have  an 
opportunity  to  test  his  affections;  and  it 
usually  takes  several  months,  sometimes  a  year 
or  more,  to  make  the  discovery." 

"  We  do  it  differently,"  said  Cetewayo ;  "  we 
take  them  first,  and  they  learn  to  like  us  at 
their  leisure." 

"  That  would  not  suit  me  at  all,  King  Cete- 
wayo; I  must  have  my  own  choice  of  a  hus- 
band, and  plenty  of  time  to  study  his  disposi- 
tion." 

"  Let  me  call  him,"  said  Cetewayo ;  "  I  know 
he  will  please  you;"  and  notwithstanding 
Lillipopo  remonstrated,  Cetewayo  clapped  his 
hands,  and  uttering  a  few  guttural  sounds  to 
the  warrior  who  presented  himself,  Robert 
Coleshill  was  ushered  into  their  presence. 

195 


OWL    TOWER 

Robert's  forced  manner  of  living  among  the 
Zulus  for  eighteen  months  had  not  added  to 
his  personal  appearance;  indeed  it  would  have 
been  difficult  to  recognize  in  him  the  gentle- 
man student  of  the  ancient  barony  of  Trew- 
hiddle,  or  the  gallant  military  officer  of  more 
recent  date;  although  there  were  unmistakable 
signs  of  his  good-breeding  apparent  to  the 
penetrating  eyes  of  Lillipopo,  who  gazed  upon 
his  stalwart  form  with  curiosity  akin  to  amaze- 
ment as  she  acknowledged  the  bow  he  made  to 
her. 

Robert  stood  before  Cetewayo  in  the  atti- 
tude of  a  man  who  knew  himself  to  be  superior 
in  intellectual  capacity,  and  looked  inquiringly 
at  him  as  he  sat  before  his  hut,  as  though  to 
discover  in  his  features  the  object  of  his  sum- 
mons. 

"  Ugh!  "  grunted  Cetewayo,  returning  Rob- 
ert's gaze  and  at  the  same  time  pointing  to- 
wards Lillipopo. 

There  was  the  least  vestige  of  a  smile  on 
Lillipopo's  countenance  as  Robert  turned  to 
her. 

'  I  suppose  he  means  we  must  converse  to- 
gether," said  Robert;  "it  is  certainly  a  novel 

196 


OWL     TOWER 

way  of  introduction,  but  I  am  so  glad  to  have 
an  opportunity  to  hear  and  speak  my  native 
language  again,  I  am  thankful  to  be  rid  of 
the  preliminaries." 

She  answered  him  in  the  Zulu  language. 

Robert  was  so  disappointed  and  disgusted 
he  exclaimed  in  a  loud  voice: 

"  Bah !  to  the  devil  with  your  lumdums ;  I 
so  detest  the  name  and  sight  of  you  Zulus  I 
could  see  you  all  wiped  off  the  map." 

At  this  outbreak,  Cetewayo — evidently 
shrewd  enough  to  detect  the  ruse  played  by 
Lillipopo — broke  into  a  fit  of  laughter,  evi- 
denced by  several  guttural  sounds  of  "  ugh, 
ugh,"  followed  by  rolling  of  the  eyes  and 
opening  of  the  jaws. 

"  Grunt  away,  you  old  savage,"  said  Robert, 
looking  at  him  scornfully. 

Lillipopo  was  so  amused  at  the  result  of  her 
mischievous  deception  she  broke  into  such  a 
fit  of  laughter  that  Robert  was  compelled  to 
join;  and  the  trio  indulged  in  uncontrollable 
mirth,  prolonged  by  the  actions  of  Cete- 
wayo, who,  unable  to  sustain  his  merriment  in 
a  sitting  posture,  had  rolled  over  on  the  ground 
and  was  kicking  in  unison  with  his  ugh,  ughs. 

197 


OWL    TOWER 

As  soon  as  Lillipopo's  merriment  had  suffi- 
ciently ceased  to  admit  of  her  speaking,  she 
placed  her  hand  winningly  on  Robert's  arm, 
saying,  "  Forgive  me,  sir ;  I  could  not  resist 
the  temptation  of  trying  your  patience,  and  at 
the  same  time  discovering  your  temper.  I  will 
now  know  what  to  expect  from  you." 

"  I  can  pardon  you  anything,  so  long  as  it  is 
in  English,"  Robert  replied.  "  Shall  I  relate 
who  I  am,  and  how  I  came  here?  " 

"  Just  give  me  your  name  at  this  time ;  you 
will  have  more  leisure  by  and  by  to  make 
known  the  rest." 

"  My  name  is  Robert  Coleshill." 

"  And  I  am  known  as  Lillipopo  Isandlana," 
she  said,  "  although  my  rightful  English  name 
is  Lillian  Buzby.  My  father  was  Colonel 
Buzby  of  the  English  regiment  encamped  at 
Isandlana,  which  was  massacred  to  a  man  by 
the  Zulus.  I  alone  was  spared  and  adopted 
by  Cetewayo.  The  Home  Government  sees 
fit  to  use  the  Zulu  appellation,  and  has  edu- 
cated me  and  pensioned  me,  with  the  ultimate 
expectation  of  having  me  elevate  the  Zulu 
savages  to  civilization,  so  the  authorities  at 
Natal  inform  me.  I  am  so  well  known  at 

198 


OWL    TOWEK 

Natal,  and  likewise  by  my  classmates  in  Eng- 
land, by  my  Zulu  name,  it  is  now  too  late  to 
retreat  from  it." 

"  Miss  Isandlana,  you  can  be  my  salvation, 
if  you  will.  I  am  dying  to  see  my  parents 
and " 

At  this  point  Robert  stopped  and  watched 
the  effect  of  his  words  on  her. 

"  Do  you  understand  why  you  were  made 
captive?  and  what  Cetewayo  destines  you  to 
be?"  inquired  Lillipopo;  "but  of  course  you 
do  not.  That  also  can  be  better  discussed 
later.  Shall  we  walk  around  the  settlement? 
or  have  you  had  enough  of  my  company  for 
the  present? " 

"  By  all  means,  let  us  walk  and  talk," 
answered  Robert. 

Lillipopo  conversed  with  Cetewayo  for  a 
few  moments,  then  she  informed  Robert  that 
she  was  permitted  to  accompany  him  anywhere 
within  a  half  day's  journey;  "  And  that 
means,"  she  continued,  "  that  you  are  not  to 
attempt  to  escape.  Cetewayo  does  not  fear 
my  disappearance,  for  he  feels  that  the  authori- 
ties at  Natal  are  responsible  to  him  for  my 
presence  whenever  desired." 

199 


OWL    TOWER 

"It's  a  queer  arrangement,"  said  Robert; 
"  I  can  conceive,  though,  that  your  presence 
here,  applied  in  a  given  direction,  would  do 
more  good  in  converting  these  savages  than 
all  the  men  in  creation,  unless  indeed  it  was  to 
totally  annihilate  them." 

"  I  have  no  intention  of  spending  my  life 
among  these  savages,"  Lillipopo  replied,  "  al- 
though it  is  necessary  to  use  diplomacy;  for 
the  authorities  at  Natal  are  bent  upon  my  do- 
ing so,  and  indeed  for  the  present  there  is  no 
way  of  escape." 

The  couple  had  reached  the  outskirts  of  the 
kraal,  and  continued  their  walks  to  the  banks 
of  the  White  Umvolos  River,  which  was  a  half 
mile  distant,  and  there  they  sat  down  on  its 
banks  and  watched  the  waters  gliding  swiftly 
towards  the  sea. 

"  I  came  here  one  night  in  an  effort  to  es- 
cape," said  Robert,  "  and  I  had  paddled  down 
the  stream  several  miles,  when  a  band  of  war- 
riors sent  by  Cetewayo  intercepted  me  and 
brought  me  back." 

'  It  would  be  quite  useless  to  attempt  to 
elude  the  vigilance  of  Cetewayo,"  Lillipopo 
replied. 

200 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  must  get  away  from  here  at  once  or  I 
will  surely  die,"  said  Robert  sorrowfully. 

"  Even  poor  me  would  be  no  inducement  to 
have  you  keep  alive,  I  suppose? "  ventured 
Lillipopo. 

"  If  you  knew  the  condition  of  my  heart, 
Miss  Isandlana,  you  would  pity  me  and  help 
me  to  escape." 

"  Oh,  please  call  me  Lillian." 

"  I  will  do  anything  you  desire  if  you  will 
only  help  me,"  Robert  replied. 

"  And  may  I  call  you  Robert?  " 

"  It  will  be  highly  gratifying  to  me,  Lillian; 
besides,  ceremony  is  a  ridiculous  attribute  in 
these  wilds." 

'  Then  I  will  relate  my  brief  history  to  you, 
Robert,  for  I  am  anxious  to  hear  yours. 

"  My  parents  lived  at  Plymouth  garrison 
until  I  was  about  seven  years  of  age,  when  my 
father,  being  Colonel  in  the  army,  was  ordered 
with  his  regiment  to  Natal.  My  mother,  who 
insisted  upon  accompanying  him,  died  of  fever 
at  Natal,  and  her  body  was  consigned  to  Ply- 
mouth for  burial. 

"After  this  sad  event  I  was  my  father's 
constant  companion,  and  when  the  troops 

201 


OWL    TOWER 

under  the  command  of  Lord  Chelmsford  took 
up  camp  at  Isandlana,  in  their  expedition 
against  the  Zulus,  young  as  I  was  I  insisted 
upon  accompanying  him,  much  against  his 
wishes.  The  troops  did  not  realize  what  the 
Zulu  fighter  was,  and  were  not  particular  in 
the  choosing  of  their  camping  ground,  or  in 
the  force  of  sentries.  The  Zulus  saw  their  op- 
portunity, and  descended  on  the  camp  like  a 
whirlwind,  and  in  such  overwhelming  num- 
bers they  destroyed  every  soul  in  it,  saving 
myself.  I  was  taken  by  a  Zulu  warrior  to 
King  Cetewayo,  under  whose  protection  I  re- 
mained a  few  years,  after  which  I  was  sent  by 
him  to  Natal,  and  from  there  to  a  ladies' 
seminary  in  England,  where  I  received  my 
education  at  the  expense  of  the  government, 
although  Cetewayo  is  lavish  with  his  gifts  to 
me.  I  left  school  and  reached  Natal  just  at 
the  outbreak  of  the  war  with  the  Boers,  and  of 
course  learned  of  the  repeated  disasters  the 
British  troops  suffered,  and  particularly  that 
of  Majuba  Hill,  although  that  of  Laing's  Nek 
affected  me  most,  for  in  that  engagement  my 
uncle,  Major  Lunney,  was  killed." 

"Major  Lunney    your  uncle?"  exclaimed 

202 


OWL    TOWER 

Robert;  "  but  let  me  not  interrupt  you; "  and 
Robert  bowed  his  head  and  rested  it  in  his 
hands  as  he  called  to  mind  his  gallant  friend. 

Lillipopo  continued:  "  I  remained  at 
Natal  under  the  hospitality  of  the  Governor 
until  a  few  days  ago,  when  a  message  from 
Cetewayo  brought  me  hither.  That  is  all  I 
can  relate  about  my  unimportant  self." 

Then  Robert  related  his  early  life  and  the 
desire  for  a  title  which  led  him  to  join  the 
army,  carefully  omitting  any  reference  to  Mar- 
garet; and  when  he  came  to  speak  of  Major 
Lunney's  friendship  for  him,  and  the  great 
sorrow  he  still  retained  at  his  death,  Lillipopo 
took  him  by  the  hand  and  rested  her  head  on 
his  shoulder. 

It  took  a  very  little  longer  for  him  to  relate 
the  circumstances  of  his  being  taken  prisoner 
by  the  Boers  at  Majuba  Hill,  and  his  subse- 
quent capture  and  retention  by  the  Zulus. 

For  a  while  the  couple  gazed  in  silence  at  the 
Umvolos  rushing  by;  finally  Lillipopo  re- 
marked :  "  It  is  strange  that  my  Uncle  Lun- 
ney  did  not  introduce  you  to  me  at  Natal,  for 
I  met  him  several  times  before  he  left  for  the 
battlefield." 

203 


OWL    TOWER 

Robert  made  no  reply,  for  he  realized  the 
reason  why  the  gallant  Major  refrained  from 
introducing  him. 

Again  the  two  remained  silent. 

At  last  Lillipopo  said: 

"  I  know  nothing  will  induce  you  to  remain 
here,  Robert,  and  yet  on  this  short  acquaintance 
I  feel  I  have  known  you  all  my  life.  And 
that  leads  me  to  revert  to  what  you  said  about 
dying,  unless  you  saw  your  parents,  and — but 
you  did  not  finish  the  sentence.  Forgive  me 
if  I  act  too  bold  and  overstep  the  bonds  of 
modest  womanhood.  My  life  has  been  so  lone- 
some, and  I  need  someone  so  much  to  love 
me,  that  I  feel  I  will  die,  too,  unless  you  remain 
with  me.  I  will  love  you  morning,  noon,  and 
night ;  and  we  will  walk  along  the  banks  of  this 
river  free  from  the  snares  of  civilization  and 
live  happily  all  our  lives." 

Lillian  nestled  her  head  on  his  shoulder;  her 
dark  hair  fell  in  wavy  masses  round  about  him, 
and  her  bosom  rose  and  fell  against  his  own, 
and  their  hearts  beat  in  unison. 

Robert  fondly  stroked  her  hair  and  said: 
''  Lillian,  it  is  well  that  honor  lies  within  my 
breast,  or  wrecked  indeed  would  be  that  im- 

204 


OWL    TOWER 

petuous  love  of  yours.  My  heart  is  firmly 
fixed  upon  one  whom  I  know  as  eagerly  awaits 
my  coming  as  I  long  to  fly  to  her.  You  can 
ease  her  heart  and  mine  by  aiding  my  escape, 
and  we  will  ever  pray  for  your  happiness, 
sweet  Lillian." 

"  Do  not  think  of  leaving  me,"  she  expos- 
tulated. "  You  must  be  mine!  Cetewayo  made 
you  captive  for  me,  and  intends  you  for  my 
husband.  Escape  you  cannot !  "  Then  burst- 
ing into  tears,  she  arose  and  left  him. 


205 


CHAPTER   XXVIII 

ROBERT  remained  for  a  moment,  stunned  at 
the  sudden  turn  in  Lillian's  character,  then 
realizing  that  all  hope  of  being  released  from 
captivity  by  her  was  lost,  he  buried  his  head 
in  his  hands  and  a  fit  of  despondency  came 
over  him  which  entered  into  the  depths  of  his 
soul.  He  remained  in  this  mood  until  the 
twilight  hours  stole  upon  him,  then  arising,  he 
walked  leisurely  up  and  down  the  banks  of  the 
river. 

His  thoughts  went  back  to  his  first  meeting 
with  Margaret  in  the  tower,  and  the  subsequent 
walk  in  her  father's  forest  when  the  stag  at- 
tacked him,  and  he  began  to  wonder  if  after 
all,  there  was  not  something  in  such  omens  that 
portended  good  or  bad  events. 

He  was  interrupted  in  his  reverie  by  hearing 
Lillian's  voice  close  at  hand,  singing :  "  My 
love  has  gone  to  battle,"  and  instantly  she 
emerged  from  behind  a  kopje  which  had  hidden 
her  from  view  and  came  towards  him,  sweetly 
chanting  the  remainder  of  the  song. 

As  she  reached  him  Robert  stood  still,  won- 
206 


OWL    TOWER 

dering  what  this  phenomenal  young  woman 
would  do  next. 

With  the  frank  impetuosity  of  the  noble  and 
affectionate  girl  she  was,  she  placed  both  her 
hands  on  his  shoulders,  and  looking  in  his  face, 
said:  "Mr.  Coleshill,  I  beg  your  forgiveness 
for  my  ungracious  remarks,  and  trust  you  will 
believe  I  was  never  guilty  of  making  love  to  a 
gentlemen  before;  and  that  in  this  instance  it 
was  brought  about  by  the  personal  magnetism 
you  possess,  and  an  uncontrollable  longing  to 
be  under  your  protection.  I  am  truly  ashamed 
of  my  conduct." 

Robert  drew  her  to  him  and  kissed  her,  and 
holding  her  in  his  arms,  said: 

"  Lillian,  you  need  not  stoop  to  ask  forgive- 
ness; if  my  heart  was  not  already  so  firmly 
fixed  that  there  is  no  shaking  it,  I  would  learn 
to  bestow  it  upon  you." 

"  I  will  try  to  be  happy  with  even  that  poor 
consolation,"  Lillian  replied,  "  but  let  us  walk, 
sir,  for  I  fear  to  trust  my  rebellious  spirit 
whilst  you  hold  me  thus;  if  you  cannot  be 
wholly  mine,  I  have  no  desire  to  be  petted." 

Notwithstanding  this  appeal,  Robert  still 
held  her  to  his  bosom  and  replied : 

207 


OWL    TOWER 

"  We  can  love  each  other  as  friends  who  met 
in  the  land  of  savages,  Lillian;  indeed  it  would 
be  impossible  to  forget  it." 

"  That  is  easy  for  you  to  say,  Mr.  Coleshill; 
your  heart  is  happily  fixed,  but  mine  is  not; 
and  love  with  me  is  not  a  thing  to  be  trifled 
with;  you  must  not  by  endearments  encourage 
me  to  hope  that  you  might  learn  to  love  me, 
for  I  have  already  surprised  myself  to  a  de- 
gree of  mortification  in  the  display  of 
womanly  tenderness." 

Robert,  however,  was  anxious  to  gain  his 
freedom,  and  hoped  by  a  moderate  display  of 
affection  towards  Lillian  to  persuade  her  to 
assist  in  his  escape ;  so  pressing  her  more  closely 
to  him,  he  whispered : 

*'  Sweet  Lillian,  have  pity  on  me.  I  am 
longing  to  leave  this  savage  country  and  re- 
turn to  her  whom  I  know  is  anxiously  awaiting 
me.  You  can  procure  my  release."  And  for- 
getful of  Lillian's  injunction  not  to  encourage 
her  to  love  him,  he  pressed  his  lips  to  her 
cheeks  as  he  held  her  firmly  in  his  arms,  add- 
ing: 

"  Will  you  save  me,  Lillian?  " 

"Let  me  go  or  I  will  hate  you/'  she  ex- 

208 


OWL    TOWER 

claimed,   at  the  same  time   drawing  herself 
away  from  him. 

They  stood  a  few  feet  apart,  Robert  with 
bowed  head  and  Lillian  looking  intently  at 
him,  although  in  the  uncertain  light  the 
anguish  his  face  displayed  could  not  be  dis- 
cerned. Lillian  knew,  however,  by  his  attitude 
that  he  was  distressed,  and  again  her  impetuous 
spirit  betrayed  itself. 

"  Mr.  Coleshill,"  she  said,  "  I  am  desperate. 
I  never  experienced  such  overwhelming  forces 
of  opposites ;  one  moment  I  am  loving  you  and 
the  next  I  could  kill  you  on  account  of  that 
love.  Will  you  please  escort  me  back  to  the 
kraal? " 

"  You  are  as  much  a  savage  as  Cetewayo," 
Robert  angrily  replied ;  "  if  you  were  not,  you 
would  have  pity  in  your  breast  for  a  man  who 
has  been  so  grossly  abused.  I  don't  care  any 
more  what  happens  to  me ;  I  am  determined  to 
make  my  escape;  and  if  any  attempt  is  made 
to  recapture  me,  I  will  fight  to  the  death." 

"  It  would  mean  death  to  you,"  Lillian 
coldly  replied. 

"  I  will  risk  it  nevertheless,"  responded 
Robert. 

209 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Will  you  escort  me  back?  " 

"  I  will  have  nothing  further  to  do  with 
you." 

"  You  hate  me,  then,"  said  Lillian. 

"  You  have  forced  that  bitter  expedient 
upon  me,"  Robert  replied. 

"  Ha!  ha!  "  laughed  Lillian,  and  before  the 
merry  ripple  ceased  she  took  him  by  the  hand 
and  Robert  reluctantly  walked  beside  her. 

"  Tell  me  the  name  of  your  sweetheart," 
Lillian  said  in  a  persuasive  voice;  "  for  I  know 
she  is  handsome  and  good,  or  you  wouldn't  be 
so  dreadfully  in  love  with  her." 

"  Miss  Isandlana,"  replied  Robert  somewhat 
reluctantly,  "  she  is  your  cousin." 

"  My  cousin!  "  ejaculated  Lillian,  releasing 
his  hand  and  stopping  in  her  walk. 

'  Your  cousin,  Margaret  Trevisick." 

"  Margaret  Trevisick,  my  cousin ! "  ex- 
claimed Lillian  with  considerable  mortification 
in  her  voice;  and  she  repeated  "  Margaret  Trev- 
isick, my  cousin !  "  as  though  she  could  not  rid 
herself  of  her  surprise. 

"  Her  mother  is  a  sister  of  the  late  Major 
Lunney,  and  married  Sir  Joseph  Trevisick." 

"  I  am  too  surprised  to  express  myself,"  said 
210 


Lillian.  "  I  became  acquainted  with  Miss 
Trevisick  at  school  in  Exeter,  and  although  she 
was  my  dearest  friend,  I  had  no  idea  there  was 
any  relationship." 

"  I  had  no  knowledge  you  ever  met,"  Rob- 
ert answered. 

For  a  few  moments  Lillian  remained  silent 
in  contemplation ;  finally  she  said :  "  I  don't 
wonder  at  your  loving  her,  for  she  is  a  delight- 
ful girl.  So  Margaret  Trevisick  is  my  cousin. 
I  am  proud  of  it."  Then  with  a  demure  voice 
she  said:  "  Tell  me,  Mr.  Coleshill,  have  I  be- 
haved so  rudely  towards  you  that  Margaret, 
learning  of  it,  would  despise  me?  Don't 
answer,  for  I  fear  it.  Say  you  forgive  me, 
and  will  forget  it." 

"  Come  here,  my  dear,"  said  Robert,  taking 
her  again  in  his  arms;  "  I  am  not  afraid  to  tell 
you  that  I  love  you  for  Margaret's  sake,  for  I 
know  she  will  appreciate  it." 

"  I  am  happy  to  feel  you  do,"  Lillian  replied 
as  she  nestled  in  his  arms.  "  I  fear  you  not 
now,  for  I  know  it  will  not  impress  you  if  I 
make  overmuch  love  to  you." 

"  How  soon  may  I  expect  to  go  back  to  her, 
Lillian?" 

211 


OWL    TOWER 

"  At  once,  Robert;  I  will  make  an  effort  to 
secure  your  release  immediately;  and  you  will 
let  me  accompany  you,  won't  you,  for  I  long 
to  see  my  Cousin  Margaret?  " 

"  Yes,  yes,  dear  Lillian,  with  pleasure,  any- 
thing; let  us  away." 

Robert  placed  Lillian's  arm  in  his,  and  they 
walked  back  towards  the  kraal,  Lillian  re- 
maining silent  on  the  way,  while  Robert  in 
his  ecstacy  at  the  prospect  of  seeing  Margaret 
again  related  his  youthful  experiences  to  her 
attentive  ear. 

As  Robert  reached  his  hut  he  asked: 
"  Where  will  I  escort  you,  Lillian?  " 

"  Cetewayo  considers  we  are  married  ac- 
cording to  the  Zulu  fashion,"  Lillian  replied; 
"  and  we  must  support  that  belief  in  order  to 
further  our  escape.  If  you  will  spare  me  a 
leopard's  skin  I  will  rest  here  beside  your 
slave,  and  plan  what  is  to  be  done." 

"  And  I  will  also  rest  under  the  blue  vault 
of  heaven,  sweet  Lillian,  and  dream  of  Mar- 
garet." 

"  Sweet  dreams  attend  you,  Mr.  Coleshill," 
Lillian  laughingly  replied. 


212 


CHAPTER   XXIX 

IN  every  village  of  England  the  memory  of  its 
dead  is  long  cherished  by  the  inhabitants. 
Long  years  after  the  sod  has  hidden  the  mortal 
remains  from  view  some  trait  of  the  departed 
will  be  fondly  resurrected  and  furnish  matter 
for  discussion. 

The  village  of  Trewhiddle  was  proverbially 
slow  in  contributing  to  the  list  of  mortality. 
Old  men  and  women  long  past  the  age  of  three- 
score years  and  ten  tottered  about  the  shady 
lanes  in  summer-time,  or  sat  before  the  hearth 
during  the  bleak  days  of  winter,  mumbling  to 
themselves  in  a  vernacular  unintelligible  to 
their  grandchildren. 

It  was  many  years  since  old  Toby  Kestle, 
the  tailor,  had  died,  and  his  memory  had  been 
so  often  revived  in  the  recapitulation  of  his 
many  peculiar  traits  that  at  last  it  resolved  it- 
self in  his  son,  whose  traits  were  so  identical 
it  was  no  longer  necessary  to  revert  to  the  past. 

No  longer  able  to  prolong  their  discussions 

213 


OWL    TOWER 

— when  conversation  lagged — by  reference  to 
the  dead  Toby,  the  villagers'  remarks  natu- 
rally reverted  to  him,  who — though  no  certain 
proof  had  been  adduced — might  to  all  intents 
and  purposes  be  considered  as  dead. 

The  memory  of  Robert  Coleshill,  therefore, 
had  been  discussed  time  and  time  again  among 
the  villagers,  and  particularly  among  the 
group  who  nightly  assembled  at  the  inn  kept 
in  good  cheer  and  morality  by  Widow  Hodge. 

Even  Squire  John  Coleshill  at  last  had  rec- 
onciled himself  to  the  belief  that  his  son  had 
passed  into  the  land  of  dreams,  hard  as  it  was 
for  the  old  gentleman  to  thus  consign  to  fate 
his  only  son. 

Three  persons  only  in  the  locality  retained 
faith  in  Robert  Coleshill's  existence.  His 
mother,  though  bearing  the  constant  traces  of 
grief,  prayed  daily  for  the  safe  return  of  her 
darling  boy.  Old  Ben  Judd  insisted  that  a 
young  man  so  desperately  in  love  as  Robert 
was  sure  to  come  around ;  and  as  he  welded  the 
glowing  iron  into  shape  would  emphasize  his 
remarks  thus: 

'  Young  Master  Robert  is  alive  I  know,  and 
Miss  Margaret  feels  just  as  I  do,  and  some  fine 

214 


OWL    TOWER 

day  he  will  return  to  her,  and  then  I  must  have 
a  celebration  of  my  golden  wedding  with  Mary 
Ann."  Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link. 

Margaret,  from  the  day  she  recovered  from 
the  shock  of  the  fatal  news  of  Majuba  Hill, 
continued  to  act  in  a  manner  wholly  incon- 
sistent with  a  young  lady  whose  sweetheart, 
according  to  reasonable  conjecture,  was  killed 
on  the  battle-field.  She  took  long  rides  through 
the  country,  and  her  walks  around  the  estate 
were  more  frequent  than  they  had  ever  been 
when  her  heart  was  free  from  misgivings.  The 
old  tower  was  almost  a  daily  rendezvous;  and 
with  book  in  hand  she  occupied  the  seat  which 
Robert  had  considerately  placed  there  for  her. 

Oftentimes  Margaret  would  stop  reading 
and  gaze  vacantly  before  her,  and  at  such  mo- 
ments her  thoughts  wandered  to  that  land  of 
which  she  had  read  and  reread  so  often,  in  the 
desperate  hope  of  locating  him  in  her  mind. 

It  is  strange  that  Lillipopo,  who  so  often 
arose  to  her  vision,  and  who  she  knew  resided 
somewhere  near  the  scene  of  battle,  was  not 
appealed  to  by  her;  but  certain  it  is,  she  was 
not. 

Sir  Joseph  Trevisick  had  observed  his  daugh- 

215 


OWL    TOWER 

ter's  apparent  indifference  to  Robert  Coles- 
hill's  fate,  and  was  secretly  glad;  for  although 
he  might  have  become  reconciled  to  the  inevita- 
ble, he  had  no  desire  to  voluntarily  accede  to 
his  daughter's  choice  of  him  for  her  husband. 
Therefore  when  a  little  over  twelve  months  had 
elapsed,  and  no  tidings  of  Robert  were  re- 
ceived, he  decided  to  make  another  effort  to 
interest  his  daughter  in  a  gentleman  of  his  own 
selection. 

A  decision  arrived  at  by  Sir  Joseph  was 
usually  attended  with  immediate  execution  of 
his  purpose,  and  he  forthwith  invited  to  the 
castle  Arthur  Tredinham,  son  of  Sir  John 
Tredinham,  after  having  had  a  conference 
with  the  latter  gentleman. 

Arthur  Tredinham  was  a  young  gentleman 
of  studious  habits  and  unassuming  character. 
In  the  matter  of  location  he  had  the  advantage 
over  his  predecessor,  Richard  Trubody,  for  his 
ancestral  home  was  within  a  day's  ride  of  the 
castle. 

Margaret  received  his  introduction  very 
graciously,  and  even  invited  him  to  accompany 
her  in  her  rides  and  walks  on  certain  occasions ; 
but  one  day  as  he  followed  her  to  the  tower 

216 


OWL     TOWER 

she  requested  him  politely  not  to  encroach  upon 
that  sacred  domain  again. 

Matters  had  proceeded  so  pleasantly  be- 
tween the  young  couple  that  Sir  Joseph, 
taking  advantage  of  an  unusually  agreeable 
conversation  with  his  daughter,  introduced 
the  subject  of  accepting  Arthur  Tredinham 
as  a  suitor  to  her  hand. 

Margaret  answered:  "Dear  papa,  I  have 
resolved  to  remain  single;  please  don't  press 
Mr.  Tredinham's  attentions  upon  me  beyond 
the  present  friendly  relations." 

"  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  grant  your  re- 
quest," replied  Sir  Joseph  gently  but  firmly; 
"  it  is  time  I  should  see  you  settled  down  as  the 
ultimate  possessor  of  my  estate.  I  will  give 
you  two  months  to  consider  my  proposal,  and 
if  after  that  time  no  reasonable  objection  can 
be  raised  by  you  against  Mr.  Tredinham,  I 
will  proceed  to  publish  your  banns  in  the  village 
church,  according  to  the  rule  adopted  by  my 
ancestors." 

Strange  to  relate,  Margaret  deviated  not 
from  the  course  she  had  previously  pursued; 
and  finally  the  time  elapsed  in  which  she  was 
to  make  answer  to  her  father. 

217 


OWL    TOWER 

Sir  Joseph  waited  a  few  weeks  longer,  and 
finally,  believing  Margaret  had  concluded  to 
carry  out  his  wishes,  called  upon  the  Vicar  and 
requested  him  to  announce  to  his  congregation 
the  banns  of  matrimony  of  Arthur  Tredinham 
and  Margaret  Trevisick. 

Margaret,  having  been  notified  by  her 
father,  abstained  from  attending  church. 

Squire  John  Coleshill  was  so  surprised  at 
hearing  the  banns  called,  that  he  likewise 
absented  himself  after  the  first  Sunday ;  and  old 
Ben  Judd  was  so  angry,  he  remained  outside 
the  church  for  the  purpose  of  remonstrating 
with  Sir  Joseph;  but  at  the  last  moment  his 
heart  failed  him,  and  instead,  he  repaired  to  his 
shop,  and  soon  the  anvil  resounded  clearly 
through  the  Sunday  calm,  much  to  the  indigna- 
tion of  Sir  Joseph  as  he  passed  the  spot. 


218 


CHAPTER   XXX 

THE  sun  had  long  risen  and  was  shedding  its 
almost  perpendicular  rays  over  Zululand. 

The  inhabitants  of  Cetewayo's  kraal  had 
deserted  their  huts,  and  were  mostly  scattered 
about  the  banks  of  the  Umvolos  and  in  the 
neighboring  jungles,  in  pursuit  of  fish  and 
game  to  supply  their  daily  needs. 

Cetewayo,  who  was  proud  of  imitating  the 
English,  had  ceased  to  be  an  early  riser;  and 
it  was  some  time  after  his  subjects  had  de- 
parted on  their  daily  vocations  before  he 
descended  on  his  hands  and  knees  from  his 
two-story  bungalow,  for  he  had  never  been 
able  to  learn  the  art  of  walking  upright  in 
ascending  or  descending  the  stairway  of  his 
habitation,  although  he  insisted  upon  having 
that  appendage  to  his  home,  in  imitation  of 
the  dwellings  he  had  seen  at  Delagoa.  For 
some  time  he  sat  in  silence,  his  gaze  compre- 
hending the  vista  before  him.  At  last,  sud- 
denly recalling  something  to  mind,  he  clapped 

219 


OWL    TOWER 

his  hands,  and  a  warrior  appeared,  whom  he 
addressed. 

Immediately  the  warrior  departed  on  a  run, 
and  reaching  the  hut  where  Robert  Coleshill 
was  domiciled,  was  stopped  in  his  utterances 
by  Cetewayo's  daughter,  who  sat  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  hut,  and  who,  by  mute  signs 
and  pointing  at  the  sleepers  in  the  open, 
conveyed  the  information  the  warrior  was  in 
quest  of. 

On  the  warrior  converting  this  mute  intelli- 
gence into  words  and  imparting  same  to  Cete- 
wayo,  the  old  king  gave  several  grunts  of 
satisfaction,  and  rubbed  his  hands  together 
indicative  of  the  pleasure  the  words  conveyed. 

Lillipopo  and  Robert  slept  on  unmindful  of 
the  sun's  rays,  and  of  the  noise  and  commotion 
always  prevalent  among  the  women  and  chil- 
dren of  the  settlement.  Their  discourse  had 
been  prolonged  into  the  early  hours  of  the 
morning,  and  the  happy  revelations  had  su- 
perinduced a  sleep  almost  unknown  to  Rob- 
ert during  his  captivity,  for  his  rest  was 
usually  disturbed  by  fitful  dreams  arising 
from  his  thoughts  constantly  dwelling  upon 
his  unhappy  fate. 

220 


OWL    TOWER 

The  woman  sat  guard  over  them,  every  now 
and  again  contemplating  their  sleeping  atti- 
tudes and  sticking  out  her  tongue  at  them  in 
derision. 

Lillipopo  was  the  first  to  awaken,  and 
arising,  she  stepped  quietly  over  to  where 
Robert  lay,  and  after  gazing  earnestly  upon 
him,  she  could  not  resist  the  temptation  of 
kneeling  and  kissing  his  brow;  then  espying 
the  gold  chain  which  dangled  from  his  neck, 
she  withdrew  the  locket  which  contained  the 
miniature,  and  gazing  fondly  on  Margaret's 
picture,  pressed  it  to  her  lips,  and  restored  it 
to  his  bosom,  giving  a  sigh  as  she  walked  to 
where  the  woman  sat. 

The  latter  at  first  stuck  out  her  tongue  at 
her,  but  a  few  words  in  Zulu  quickly  spoken  by 
Lillipopo  caused  the  woman  to  kneel  before 
her  in  an  appealing  attitude. 

Shortly  afterwards  Robert  awoke,  and  in- 
stantly remembering  the  changed  conditions 
of  his  captivity,  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  and 
rushing  eagerly  to  Lillipopo,  bade  her  good- 
morning,  and  even  kissed  her;  for  his  heart 
was  overflowing  at  the  prospect  of  seeing  his 
loved  ones  again. 

221 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Have  you  planned  anything  towards  our 
escape? "  he  asked. 

"  I  have  only  this  moment  realized  the  mag- 
nitude of  my  generosity,"  replied  Lillian,  who 
was  in  a  tantalizing  mood;  "there  is  no  way 
of  retracting,  I  suppose?  " 

"  It  is  too  late  now,  Lillian,"  Robert  an- 
swered in  a  manner  calculated  to  bring  her  to 
a  more  serious  mood ;  "  my  heart  beats  with 
impatience  to  be  on  my  journey  homewards." 

"  Then  let  us  go  before  Cetewayo  at  once, 
Mr.  Coleshill,  for  I  long  to  re-enter  civilization 
also;  I  am  not  myself  among  these  savages;  " 
saying  which,  she  placed  her  hand  in  Robert's 
arm,  and  they  walked  along  conversing  as 
they  went. 

"  We  must  deceive  Cetewayo  by  allowing 
him  to  suppose  we  are  very  much  in  love  with 
each  other,"  said  Lillian. 

"  Anything,  Lillian ;  I  don't  care  what  you 
ask  me  to  do,  provided  it  leads  me  home." 

"  Then  trust  me  implicitly,  for  whilst  you 
slept  I  stole  a  glimpse  at  Margaret's  minia- 
ture, and  I  long  to  meet  my  dear  cousin.  We 
were  always  so  fond  of  each  other." 

As  they  approached  Cetewayo's  bungalow 

222 


OWL    TOWER 

Lillian  said :  "  Now,  Mr.  Coleshill,  Cetewayo 
knows  something  about  English  customs. 
Kindly  place  your  arm  around  my  waist — 
don't  clasp  me  too  tight — and  place  your  other 
hand  in  mine,  and  we  will  appear  before  him 
in  that  manner." 

"  I  wonder  what  Margaret  would  say  if  she 
saw  us?"  Lillian  asked,  looking  wickedly  in 
Robert's  face. 

"I'm  afraid  her  patience  would  not  extend 
so  far  as  to  congratulate  either  of  us,"  Robert 
replied. 

"  Poor,  dear  Margaret,  she  must  have  felt 
very  lonesome  without  you.  Supposing  she 
has  gotten  tired  at  last,  and  another  encircles 
his  arm  about  her,  as  you  do  me  " 

"  Oh,  for  heaven's  sake,  Lillian,  don't  talk 
so;  you  will  drive  me  frantic.  I  never  knew 
what  it  was  to  be  jealous  of  her  before  you 
compelled  me  to  do  this." 

"  Ha !  ha !  "  laughed  Lillian,  and  her  merri- 
ment had  not  ceased  when,  in  turning  the 
corner  of  the  kraal,  they  walked  against  Cete- 
wayo, who  was  standing  with  his  body  resting 
against  the  fence  surrounding  his  bungalow. 

"  Good-morning,"  said  Cetewayo  in  Eng- 
223 


OWL     TOWER 

lish;  and  as  those  words  comprised  the  extent 
of  Cetewayo's  venture  in  that  language — al- 
though he  had  studied  hard  in  the  hope  of  one 
day  being  able  to  converse  with  Lillipopo  in 
her  native  tongue — he  finished  what  he  had  to 
say  in  Zulu. 

Lillipopo  conversed  with  him  for  several 
minutes,  at  the  end  of  which  Cetewayo  cast 
his  eyes  on  the  ground  and  walked  to  and  fro 
as  though  his  thoughts  troubled  him.  Finally 
he  stopped  suddenly  in  front  of  the  couple, 
who  stood  in  the  attitude  they  had  assumed  on 
first  meeting  him — Robert  with  his  arm  around 
Lillipopo's  waist — and  again  addressed  Lilli- 
popo. 

Lillipopo  turned  her  face  to  Robert,  say- 
ing, "  I  have  informed  Cetewayo  we  want  to 
visit  Natal  to  get  married;  he  is  afraid,  how- 
ever, we  intend  leaving  him  for  good,  and  asks 
for  some  token  to  prove  we  love  each  other. 
This  is  our  only  chance.  We  must  allay  his  sus- 
picions, or  we  are  destined  to  remain  captives 
until  the  authorities  at  Natal  feel  disposed  to 
investigate." 

'  What  can  we  do  to  assure  him?  "  Robert 
asked,  looking  desperately  at  Lillian. 

224 


OWL     TOWER 

"  Don't  look  so  wildly,  Mr.  Coleshill;  it  will 
only  increase  Cetewayo's  fears.  Please  con- 
sider that  I  am  Margaret,  and  that  you  have 
just  met  her  after  all  your  long  separation. 
Put  both  arms  around  me  and  draw  me  closely 
to  you,  and  kiss  me.—  —Oh!  you  are  a  regular 
bear,  you  squeeze  the  breath  out  of  me ;  if  that 
is  the  welcome  you  intend  for  Margaret,  I  can 
sympathize  with  her;  "  and  Lillian  broke  into 
such  an  uproarious  laugh  that  Cetewayo 
joined,  and  after  insisting  upon  their  repeat- 
ing the  embrace,  gave  his  consent  to  their 
journeying  to  Natal. 

The  trio  breakfasted  together,  and  after 
spending  the  greater  part  of  the  day  in  ex- 
ploiting their  affection  for  Cetewayo's  grati- 
fication and  delusion,  they  started  on  their 
journey,  escorted  by  the  same  band  of  warriors 
who  had  previously  accompanied  Lillipopo, 
and  after  the  usual  inconveniences  reached 
Natal. 

Lillipopo  first  took  Robert  to  the  Gov- 
ernor's residence  and  introduced  him  to  Col- 
onel Ridgway,  who  was  still  in  charge  of 
affairs. 

The  Colonel  hesitated  about  giving  his  con- 


OWL    TOWER 

sent  to  Lillipopo's  leaving  Natal,  but  she 
stamped  her  foot  and  declared  she  would  go 
without  it;  so,  finally,  upon  Captain  Coleshill 
—as  he  was  addressed  by  Colonel  Ridgway 
—giving  his  assurance  that  he  would  be  re- 
sponsible for  her  reappearance,  should  the 
English  Government  demand  it — which  Rob- 
ert thought  was  wholly  improbable — they  pro- 
ceeded on  their  way  to  Delagoa. 

Lillipopo  had  drawn  largely  from  her  bank 
account  at  Natal,  and  Robert  fitted  himself 
out  with  new  regimentals,  which  so  trans- 
formed his  personal  appearance  that  Lilli- 
popo remarked :  "  Mr.  Coleshill,  unless  you 
treat  me  with  severe  coldness  during  the  voy- 
age, I  will  be  compelled  to  make  siege  to  your 
heart  again." 

Nevertheless,  Robert  did  not  follow  her 
advice,  and  he  acted  in  a  way  towards  her 
which  would  have  gone  sorely  against  him  in 
a  breach  of  promise  suit. 

Day  after  day  he  led  her  up  and  down  the 
deck,  and  waited  upon  her,  indeed,  as  a  devoted 
lover  would  have  done. 

'  You  are  my  rescuer,  Lillian,"  he  would 
say  time  and  time  again  as  he  pressed  her  to 

226 


OWL    TOWER 

him;  "  I  will  never  know  how  to  do  enough 
for  you  in  return."  He  would  kiss  her  in  the 
presence  of  the  sailors,  and  indeed  acted  in 
such  an  affectionate  manner  towards  her  that 
had  Margaret  witnessed  it,  it  is  doubtful  if  an 
explanation  would  have  appeased  her  jealousy. 

At  last  the  steamship  entered  the  English 
Channel  and  anchored  in  Plymouth  harbor. 

The  couple  proceeded  to  the  barracks,  and 
Robert  applied  to  the  brigadier-general  in 
person  for  his  certificate  as  "  Captain  of  the 
King's  Dragoon  Guards,"  and  an  honorable 
discharge  from  further  service,  saving  at  his 
own  free  will. 

The  General  declined  to  accord  the  latter 
at  first,  but  on  visiting  the  recruiting  station 
and  discovering  that  the  late  Major  Lunney 
had  made  a  clause  after  Robert  Coleshill's 
name,  "  Specially  volunteers  his  services  upon 
the  assurance  given  by  me  that  he  may  honor- 
ably retire  upon  the  conclusion  of  the  first 
battle  in  which  he  may  be  engaged,"  the  Gen- 
eral readily  acquiesced,  not  without  stating 
however,  "  The  assurance  given  by  the  late 
Major  Lunney  is  granted  only  in  remote  cases, 
and  usually  to  persons  connected  with  the 

227 


OWL    TOWER 

Crown.  Out  of  respect  to  the  gallant  Ma- 
jor's memory,  however,  I  gladly  indorse  it," 
and  as  he  passed  the  documents  to  Robert  he 
extended  his  hand  familiarly,  saying,  "  I  am 
sorry  the  army  loses  such  a  worthy  officer." 


228 


CHAPTER  XXXI 

THE  advent  of  the  Sabbath  once  more  brought 
about  the  opportunity  among  Christian  people 
for  enjoying  a  temporary  rest  from  the  carp- 
ing cares  of  life. 

Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  little  village 
of  Trevisick,  however,  refused  to  be  com- 
forted. It  was  the  third  Sunday  on  which  the 
banns  of  matrimony  of  Arthur  Tredinham  and 
Margaret  Trevisick  were  to  be  called,  which 
sealed  the  fate  of  him  whose  memory  had 
always  remained  dear  to  them. 

Hope,  which  had  clung  so  tenaciously  up 
to  this  day,  had  vanished  with  the  dawn;  and 
many  wept  in  secret  as  they  realized  that  Mar- 
garet Trevisick  must  at  last  accede  to  Sir 
Joseph's  wishes  and  marry  him  whose  name 
had  been  united  with  hers  in  the  preliminary 
ceremony. 

Squire  John  Coleshill  arose  early,  and  after 
pacing  up  and  down  his  ancestral  hall  and 
shaking  his  fist  at  the  pictures,  strode  down 

229 


OWL    TOWER 

to  the  old  tower  and  broke  the  rules  of  the 
Sabbath  by  repeating  his  menaces  at  that  ivy- 
covered  structure,  actually  going  to  the  ex- 
treme of  throwing  stones  at  it.  '  You  have 
ever  been  the  curse  of  my  house,"  he  said 
vehemently,  addressing  it  as  though  it  were  a 
thing  of  life;  then  sadly  retracing  his  steps, 
he  retired  to  his  son's  room  and  poured  out 
his  lamentations  in  fitful  gusts  of  anger  and 
sorrow. 

Old  Ben  Judd  avoided  his  companions  at 
the  inn  on  the  previous  evening^  and  as  the 
morning  broke,  arrayed  himself  in  his  best, 
and  proceeded  to  the  Tower ;  thence  he  entered 
the  woodland,  and  reaching  a  spot  where  he 
could  view  the  castle  undiscovered,  gazed  ear- 
nestly at  the  windows,  in  hopes  of  catching  a 
glimpse  of  Margaret  and  thus  satisfy  his  mind 
thereby  if  she  still  retained  her  love  for  Robert. 

It  was  the  middle  of  November,  and  al- 
though the  morning  was  bright,  the  winter 
winds  came  whistling  through  the  denuded 
trees  and  tossed  the  old  man's  silvered  locks 
about  his  shoulders  as  he  stood  patiently 
watching. 

Margaret  espied  him  from  her  room,  and  her 

230 


OWL    TOWER 

heart  beat  eagerly  as  she  thought  of  the  old 
man's  fondness  for  her  and  Robert,  and  with 
a  sigh  she  proceeded  to  array  herself  in  the 
richest  garments  she  possessed. 

At  the  breakfast-table  she  evinced  no  grief, 
and  returned  her  father's  kiss,  and  Arthur 
Tredinham's  salutation,  with  her  usual  good 
graces;  she  positively  declined  her  father's 
earnest  solicitation  to  attend  church,  however, 
for  the  purpose  of  giving  acquiescence  by  her 
presence  to  the  reading  of  the  banns. 

The  chimes  rang  dolefully  through  the  air 
as  they  summoned  the  villagers  to  the  services, 
and  they  struck  upon  the  ear  of  one  who  had 
just  alighted  from  the  train.  The  sound 
seemed  strange  to  him;  and  taking  his  com- 
panion by  the  arm,  he  said:  "Let  us  hasten, 
Lillian ;  my  heart  beats  ominously  at  the  sound 
of  those  bells;  I  know  not  what  it  means,  but 
it  seems  like  a  knell  to  my  soul." 

As  they  reached  the  entrance  to  Trewhiddle 
mansion  the  barking  of  a  dog  greeted  them, 
and  instantly  Robert's  spaniel  sprang  upon 
him,  and  fawned  and  cried  in  its  joy  at  meet- 
ing its  long-lost  master;  and  then  bounding 
back  towards  the  house,  making  whining  cries, 

231 


OWL    TOWER 

it  attracted  Squire  John,  who,  emerging  from 
the  hall  and  espying  his  son,  rushed  into  his 
arms,  crying :  "  The  great,  good  Jehovah  has 
heard  me  at  last.  Robert,  my  boy,  do  mine 
old  eyes  behold  you  again? "  and  the  father 
embraced  the  son,  and  the  flood-gates  were 
opened,  and  he  cried  for  joy.  Then  looking 
at  Lillian,  he  put  his  hand  to  his  brow,  ex- 
claiming :  "  You  have  not  forgotten  her, 
Robert?" 

"  No,  indeed,  father.  Is  she  well  and  safe? 
Is  she  still  waiting  for  me?  " 

The  old  gentleman  took  him  by  the  arm  and 
turned  him  about,  exclaiming :  "  Tarry  not  a 
second,  Robert,  or  it  will  be  too  late.  Mar- 
garet's banns  will  be  called  to-day  for  the  last 
time  and  against  her  wishes.  Hasten  to  the 
church  and  declare  your  prior  right  to  her 
hand." 

Without  stopping  to  introduce  his  com- 
panion, Robert  started  as  he  listened  to  his 
father's  words,  and  before  his  father  had  con- 
cluded was  on  a  run  to  the  village  church ;  nor 
stopped  he  when  he  reached  the  portal,  but 
taking  off  his  cap,  he  entered  just  as  the  Vicar 
was  reading  from  a  slip  of  paper : 

232 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  publish  the  banns  of  matrimony  between  Arthur 
Tredinham,  of  Lostwithiel,  and  Margaret  Trevisick,  of 
this  parish.  If  any  of  you  know  of  any  just  cause  or 
impediment  why  these  two  persons  should  not  be  joined 
together  in  holy  matrimony,  ye  are  to  declare  it.  This 
is  the  third  and  last  time  of  asking." 

No  lightning-bolt  discharged  in  their  midst 
could  have  affected  the  congregation  as  did 
the  apparition  of  the  soldier  as  he  strode  up 
the  aisle  to  the  reading  desk,  his  red  coat 
attacting  all  eyes  to  him. 

Placing  his  hand  in  his  bosom  he  withdrew 
the  miniature,  and  holding  it  aloft,  exclaimed 
in  a  loud  voice  which  echoed  throughout  the 
old  church: 

"  By  this  pledge,  I,  Robert  Coleshill,  claim 
a  prior  right  to  the  hand  and  heart  of  Mar- 
garet Trevisick."  Then  returning  the  precious 
token  to  his  bosom,  he  turned  to  leave  the 
church,  and  as  he  passed  the  pew  in  which  Sir 
Joseph  and  his  family  sat,  he  bowed,  and  Sir 
Joseph  looked  in  amazement  after  his  manly 
form. 

On  his  way  from  the  church  he  met  his 
father  and  Lillian,  who  eagerly  awaited  his  re- 
turn. He  stopped  not  to  converse  with  them, 

233 


OWL    TOWER 

but  in  passing  said:  "  I  go  to  the  Tower;  await 
me  at  its  base." 

Reaching  the  Tower,  he  bounded  up  the 
steps;  and  as  he  neared  the  summit  he  trod 
silently  lest  the  shock  to  her  at  meeting  him  so 
suddenly  would  be  too  great. 

He  thus  arrived  at  the  opening  leading  to 
the  roof,  and  there  a  sight  met  his  anxious  gaze 
which,  for  a  moment,  made  his  heart  cease  to 
beat  as  he  reflected  that  after  all  he  might  be 
intruding  upon  one  who,  growing  weary  of 
his  long  absence,  had  thought  him  dead  and 
transferred  her  love  to  another. 

Before  him  knelt  the  beautiful  form  of  her 
whom  he  had  loved  without  wavering  from  the 
day  he  first  met  her  on  that  selfsame  spot. 
Her  head  was  bowed  over  unto  the  seat  and 
rested  in  her  hands.  She  was  sobbing,  and  her 
body  trembled  with  spasms  of  grief. 

As  Robert  stood  in  his  hesitation,  he  heard 
Margaret  exclaim  between  her  sobs :  "  Merciful 
Father,  if  he  is  dead,  take  me  to  him;  if  he  is 
alive,  send  him  back  to  me  before  it  is  too 
late." 

The  words  no  sooner  passed  her  lips  than 
he  could  restrain  himself  no  longer,  and  kneel- 

234, 


"As  Robert  stood  in  his  hesitation.1 


OWL     TOWER 

ing  softly  by  her  side,  and  placing  his  arm 
tenderly  about  her  waist,  he  whispered: 

"  Margaret,  my  darling,  I  have  come  back 
to  you." 

At  the  first  sound  of  his  voice  she  quickly 
raised .  her  head  and  stared  in  amazement 
through  her  tears;  then  realizing  he  was 
indeed  her  lost  lover,  she  cried :  "  Robert !  "  and 
entwining  her  arms  about  his  neck,  she  looked 
into  his  face  with  her  marvelous  eyes,  exclaim- 
ing, "My  dearest  Robert!"  and  then  she 
nestled  her  head  on  his  shoulder,  and  a  sigh 
and  sob  escaped  her,  and  her  bosom  swelled 
like  ocean  billows  in  her  effort  to  restrain  her 
emotions. 

"  Calm  yourself,  my  darling,"  Robert  whis- 
pered as  he  pressed  his  lips  to  hers;  and 
Margaret,  nothing  loath,  returned  the  kiss  and 
replied : 

'  You  appeared  so  suddenly,  Robert,  in 
answer  to  my  fervent  prayer,  that  the  instant 
change  from  grief  to  happiness  is  too  great 
to  control ;  perhaps  I  will  recover  more  quickly 
by  being  seated." 

Robert  assisted  her  to  arise  from  her  kneel- 
ing position,  and  seating  himself  beside  her, 

235 


OWL    TOWER 

drew  her  closely  to  him,  so  that  her  head  again 
rested  on  his  shoulder. 

"  I  was  so  afraid  I  had  lost  you,  Margaret," 
he  said. 

"  I  never  once  felt  so  concerning  you  until 
to-day,"  Margaret  answered;  then,  as  the  sud- 
den recollection  came  to  her,  she  sprang  from 
her  seat,  exclaiming:  "  The  banns,  Robert,  the 
banns!  I  fear  it  is  too  late!  My  great  joy  at 
meeting  you  made  me  forget  that  my  father 
has  pledged  me  to  another." 

"  Do  you  want  me  to  release  you,  Mar- 
garet? "  Robert  asked,  arising  and  enfolding 
her  in  his  arms. 

"Are  you  willing  to  withdraw  your  claim 
to  me?"  she  said,  looking  with  ineffable 
sweetness  in  his  face. 

"  I  have  been  with  the  savages  too  long, 
my  dear,"  he  responded,  "  to  allow  such  love 
and  beauty  to  be  stolen  from  me  without  a 
desperate  fight." 

"  What  shall  we  do,  then,  Robert?  " 

:<  I  have  already  done  it,  Margaret.  With- 
out stopping  to  think  whether  you  might 
prefer  this  other  man,  I  hastened  to  the  church 
and  declared  my  prior  right  to  your  hand  by 

236 


OWL    TOWER 

virtue  of  this  token,"  and  as  he  spoke  he  with- 
drew the  locket  from  his  bosom.  "  Then  I 
came  hither,  and  upon  discovering  you,  the 
thought  flashed  in  my  mind  for  the  first  time 
since  leaving  home  that  your  love  might  have 
been  transferred  to  another." 

"Robert!  could  you  think  so  ill  of  me?" 
Margaret  asked  with  a  choking  voice ;  "  I 
never  forgot  you,  nor  allowed  my  affection 
to  wander  from  your  memory  for  one 
moment." 

"  I  am  sure  of  it,  my  love,"  Robert  replied, 
as  he  pressed  her  fondly  to  him,  "  and  the  hap- 
piness it  gives  me  is  supreme." 

"  It  is  not  right  for  me  to  keep  you  from 
your  parents  so  long,  Robert;  they  must  be 
very  happy,  likewise,  at  seeing  you  again." 

"  I  have  not  seen  my  dear  mother  yet,"  he 
replied.  "  I  did  not  stop  a  moment  when  I 
discovered  from  my  father  that  I  was  likely  to 
lose  you." 

"  Oh,  Robert!  hasten  to  her.  How  could  I 
be  so  unmindful?  "  and  taking  him  by  the  arm, 
she  led  him  to  the  steps. 

"  One  moment,  my  darling.  Are  you  pre- 
pared for  another  surprise?  If  not,  I  will 

237 


OWL    TOWER 

apprise  you,  although  it  might  spoil  the 
effect." 

"  I  am  so  happy,  Robert,  at  your  being 
restored  to  me,  I  will  place  myself  under  your 
judgment." 

"  Too  many  surprises  in  one  day  may  not 
be  good  for  you,  Margaret;  you  will  meet  one 
of  your  old  schoolmates." 

"  Is  it  my  dearest  Jane  Valtort — Jane  Tru- 
body? " 

"  No,  I  must  make  another  suggestion ;  she 
is  something  of  a  Zulu." 

"  Is  it  Lillipopo? "  and  as  she  mentioned 
the  name  her  face  turned  crimson,  and  she 
glanced  at  Robert,  then  at  her  feet. 

Robert  observed  her  discomfiture,  although 
he  wrongly  divined  the  cause,  and  said:  "  Lilli- 
popo is  the  means  of  my  being  restored  to 
you,  Margaret." 

At  these  words  Margaret  hid  her  head  on 
Robert's  shoulder,  saying :  "I  fear  I  have 
been  unjust  in  my  sentiments  concerning  her, 
and  thus  contributed  to  your  misery." 

Robert  kissed  her  fears  away,  adding :  "  Lil- 
lian nor  no  one  else  will  ever  take  your  place 
in  my  affections." 

238 


OWL     TOWER 

They  then  descended  the  tower,  and  at  its 
base  stood  Lillian.  Margaret  embraced  her, 
exclaiming:  "Why,  Lillian!  I  am  so  glad 
to  meet  you." 

Lillian  laughingly  replied :  "  I  will  warrant 
you  are  more  glad  to  meet  Mr.  Coleshill.  I 
am  surprised  to  find  there  is  anything  left  of 
you,  he  is  so  awfully  devoted  to  you.  I  tried 
to  steal  him,  but  it  was  useless;  he  treated  me 
like  a  savage."  Then  Squire  John  approached 
from  around  the  tower  and  stood  watching 
the  trio,  and  by  dint  of  increasing  courage 
came  nearer  and  nearer,  until  Margaret  turned 
to  him  and  remarked :  "  Mr.  Coleshill,  I  wish 
you  would  scold  me  for  allowing  Robert  to 
remain  so  long  from  his  mother,  although  I 
was  not  aware  until  a  moment  ago  that  he  had 
slighted  her." 

"  I  am  sure,  my  dear,  I  would  be  guilty  of 
the  same  offense,"  replied  the  old  gentleman, 
"  if  offense  it  is.  The  man  who  could  keep 
away  from  such  steady  devotion  and  loveliness 
must  have  a  different  heart  from  what  a  Coles- 
hill  possesses.  Let  me  kiss  you,  my  dear,  as 
a  tribute  of  an  old  man's  regard  for  you." 
And  Squire  John  gallantly  kissed  the  blush- 

239 


OWL     TOWER 

ing  girl,  and  then  betook  himself  slowly 
towards  home. 

Robert  then  informed  Margaret  of  the  re- 
lationship that  existed  between  Lillian  and 
her;  and  after  accompanying  them  to  the 
woodland,  and  promising  to  call  at  the  Castle 
on  the  morrow,  hastened  his  steps  towards 
Trewhiddle. 

As  he  entered  the  hall  his  mother  extended 
her  arms,  exclaiming:  "  My  boy,  my  dear  Rob- 
ert! I  knew  you  would  come  back  to  us." 
Robert  clasped  her  in  his  strong  arms,  saying, 
"  My  dearest  mother,  I  never  forgot  my  home, 
nor  her  who  ever  made  it  bright  to  me." 

The  balance  of  that  day  he  spent  with  his 
parents,  recounting  his  bitter  experiences  in 
search  of  a  title. 


240 


CHAPTER   XXXII 

THE  church  services  might  as  well  have  heen 
suspended  for  the  balance  of  the  day,  so 
far  as  they  influenced  the  minds  of  the 
congregation. 

The  return  of  Robert  Coleshill  in  the  guise 
of  a  soldier,  publicly  claiming  in  the  sacred 
edifice  the  hand  of  Margaret  Trevisick,  was 
the  whole  engrossing  topic. 

Such  an  occurrence  might  have  passed  in  a 
large  city  with  little  or  no  comment,  but  in 
the  little  village  of  Trevisick  where  everyone 
was  known  to  each  other,  and  whose  secrets 
the  walls  were  unable  to  hide,  the  event  was 
looked  upon  as  the  most  momentous  of  its 
limited  though  extended  history.  Moreover, 
both  parties  were  prime  favorites  with  the  vil- 
lagers, partly  on  account  of  their  hereditary 
prominence,  but  more  particularly  for  the 
benefits  received  from  them;  and  the  discovery 
that  the  young  couple  were  in  love  increased 
their  fondness  for  them,  and  the  hope  that 

241 


OWL    TOWER 

their  attachment  might  happily  end  in  matri- 
mony. 

During  the  reading  of  the  banns  Sir  Joseph 
bent  his  head,  as  though  he  felt  he  was  the 
observed  of  all  observers;  besides,  he  did  not 
feel  altogether  satisfied  that  the  pledging  of 
his  daughter's  hand  without  her  consent  was 
in  strict  accordance  with  the  natural  love  he 
possessed  for  her.  Therefore,  when  he  heard 
the  voice  which  declared  the  prior  right  to  his 
daughter's  hand,  he  quickly  raised  his  head 
and  fixed  his  astonished  gaze  upon  the  young 
soldier;  and  as  the  latter  passed  the  pew  in 
which  he  sat  with  Lady  Trevisick  and  the  im- 
provised suitor,  and  he  saw  the  manly  bearing 
of  Robert  Coleshill  as  he  bowed  in  passing, 
his  heart  fluttered  as  he  called  to  mind  the 
flattering  words  said  about  him  in  the  news- 
papers concerning  his  bravery  on  the  field  of 
battle;  and  when  he  further  remembered  it 
was  all  done  for  the  great  love  the  youth  bore 
his  daughter,  he  was  not  sorry  Margaret  had 
clung  so  tenaciously  to  his  memory.  So,  on 
the  way  homewards,  his  heart  softened  towards 
his  daughter,  if  it  did  not  altogether  favor 
Robert  Coleshill;  for  in  passing  the  neighbor- 

242 


OWL    TOWER 

hood  of  the  tower,  one  glance  at  it  was  suf- 
ficient to  call  to  mind  the  long-standing  feud 
between  the  two  families. 

Arthur  Tredinham  walked  along  conversing 
with  Lady  Trevisick  and  seemed  unconscious 
of  his  fate.  That  he  loved  Margaret  was  not 
to  be  doubted,  but  he  had  never  received  from 
her  the  slightest  encouragement  to  hope  that 
her  affections  would  be  bestowed  on  him  by 
her  own  free  will. 

Reaching  the  castle,  Sir  Joseph  went  di- 
rectly to  the  butler  and  inquired  after  Mar- 
garet, and  on  being  informed  she  had  gone 
to  the  tower,  he  walked  conscience-smitten 
through  the  woodland  leading  to  it;  for  he 
recollected  how  frequently  his  beloved  child 
had  wandered  to  that  dismal  place  to  pour  out 
her  grief  in  secret,  without  receiving  a  kind 
word  from  him  to  relieve  the  sorrow  of  her 
heart. 

If  Sir  Joseph's  astonishment  at  what  took 
place  in  the  church  was  not  sufficient  for  one 
day,  that  which  met  his  gaze  on  reaching  the 
vicinity  of  the  tower  was  likely  to  impress  it- 
self upon  his  memory  for  the  balance  of  his 
life. 

243 


OWL    TOWER 

He  fully  expected  to  find  his  daughter  in 
company  with  Robert  Coleshill,  but  was  not 
prepared  to  see  an  old  gentleman  like  Squire 
Coleshill  hiding  among  the  bushes  surround- 
ing the  tower,  in  earnest  conversation  with  a 
young  lady,  and  actually  implanting  a  kiss 
on  her  cheek.  The  apparition  so  astonished 
Sir  Joseph  that  he  stretched  forward  his  head 
in  his  earnestness  to  obtain  a  clearer  vision  of 
the  couple. 

"  The  old  reprobate ! "  he  exclaimed  as  he 
saw  Squire  John  bend  his  head  and  kiss  the 
girl.  "  The  House  of  Trevisick  shall  not  be 
contaminated  by  intermarrying  with  such 
depravity." 

At  last  Margaret  and  Robert  appeared  upon 
the  scene;  and  Sir  Joseph  witnessed  his  daugh- 
ter embrace  Lillipopo,  and  lastly — to  his  horror 
and  utter  consternation — Squire  John  kissed 
his  beautiful  daughter. 

From  staring,  Sir  Joseph's  lower  jaw 
dropped,  and  he  was  so  surprised  that  he  was 
unaware  of  the  imbecile  look  his  usually  dig- 
nified countenance  had  assumed;  and  when  he 
did  recover  himself  his  teeth  came  together 
like  castenets. 

244 


OWL     TOWER 

"  It  is  the  most  diabolical  thing  I  ever  wit- 
nessed," he  exclaimed.  "  Old  Coleshill  kiss- 
ing my  daughter!  they  are  all  in  league  against 
me.  Sunday  or  not,  I  will  fight  him  with 
bare  fists." 

Before  Sir  Joseph,  however,  could  work 
himself  into  a  fighting  attitude,  Margaret  and 
Lillian,  accompanied  by  Robert,  came  walk- 
ing towards  him;  and  as  the  immediate  cause 
of  his  ire  had  removed  itself  in  another  direc- 
tion, Sir  Joseph  made  an  undignified  and 
rapid  retreat,  bumping  his  shins  against  the 
trunks  of  the  forest  trees  and  finally  landing 
himself  headlong  into  a  group  of  Margaret's 
favorite  rhododendrons  at  the  edge  of  the 
lawn. 

Arising  and  putting  his  monocle  in  his  eye, 
Sir  Joseph  assumed  his  usually  dignified  air; 
although  there  was  a  lingering  sign  of  hauteur 
which  had  not  become  quite  subdued,  out  of 
his  desire  to  encounter  Squire  John. 

Walking  up  and  down  the  lawn,  he  ner- 
vously awaited  the  coming  of  events,  and  he 
was  not  altogether  pleased  when  the  two  girls 
appeared  unaccompanied,  for  he  desired  to  end 
his  suspense  then  and  there. 

245 


Margaret  walked  up  to  her  father  and  in- 
troduced Lillian,  saying:  "  Dear  papa,  I  know 
you  well  welcome  an  old  schoolmate  of  mine, 
Lillipopo  Isandlana,  who  is  likewise  my 
cousin." 

Sir  Joseph  instantly  assumed  the  courteous 
gentleman,  and  extending  his  hand  to  Lillian, 
said:  "Welcome  indeed,  my  dear,"  and  as  he 
took  her  hand  the  upturned  smiling  face  of 
the  beautiful  girl  invited  him  to  kiss  her,  and 
Sir  Joseph  did  so  cheerfully,  and  felt  all  the 
better  for  it,  for  he  instantly  felt  young  again. 

"Lillipopo  Isandlana,"  he  repeated;  "I 
don't  remember  any  relations  of  that  name; 
kindly  enlighten  me,  my  dear." 

Lillian  replied:  "Lady  Trevisick  is  my 
mother's  sister,  Sir  Joseph.  My  real  name  is 
Lillian  Buzby,  but  King  Cetewayo,  who  cap- 
tured me,  re-named  me ;  and  the  authorities  at 
Natal  having  adopted  it,  I  endure  the  bar- 
barous appellation  through  motives  of  policy; 
in  other  words,  J  derive  my  income  from  it." 

'  The  name  sounds  very  charming  to  me, 
my  dear,  but  let  me  escort  you  to  your  aunt." 

After  introducing  Lillian  to  Lady  Tre- 
visick, who  joyfully  welcomed  her,  Sir  Joseph 

246 


OWL    TOWER 

took  his  daughter  by  the  arm,  saying:  "  Come 
with  me,  Margaret,  to  the  library,"  and  lead- 
ing her  to  a  chair  he  sat  beside  her. 

Taking  her  by  the  hand,  he  said:  "I  fear, 
my  dear  daughter,  we  have  waned  in  our  af- 
fection towards  each  other  in  consequence  of 
the  pressure  I  have  brought  to  bear  upon  you 
concerning  your  marriage.  Let  us  fully  un- 
derstand each  other.  Have  you  fixed  your 
heart  on  Robert  Coleshill? " 

"  He  has  never  been  removed  from  me  in 
thought  since  I  first  became  secretly  attached 
to  him." 

"  Is  he  in  your  opinion  qualified  as  a  gentle- 
man to  be  received  as  my  son?  " 

"  I  will  leave  that  entirely  to  your  judgment 
and  decision,  dear  papa;  if  you  discover  any- 
thing in  Mr.  Coleshill  unworthy  of  you  or  me, 
I  am  willing  to  abandon  him." 

"  I  have  no  desire  to  prolong  your  unhappi- 
ness,  Margaret,  nor  my  own,  and  I  will  accept 
your  proposal.  To-morrow  I  will  give  Mr. 
Coleshill  an  opportunity  to  plead  his  cause." 

"  Oh,  you  dear  papa!  "  exclaimed  Margaret, 
throwing  her  arms  about  her  father's  neck. 
"  I  am  made  doubly  happy  this  day;  it  will  be 

247 


OWL    TOWER 

so  nice  to  visit  those  with  whom  we  have  been 
at  variance  for  so  long." 

"What  do  you  know  about  them?"  asked 
Sir  Joseph,  watching  his  daughter  keenly. 

"  I  spoke  to  Squire  Coleshill  to-day  for  the 
first  time,  and  he  is  such  an  affectionate  old 
gentleman." 

"  He  is,  is  he? "  and  Sir  Joseph  lowered  his 
brows ;  but  Margaret  smoothed  out  the  wrinkles 
on  his  forehead  with  her  delicate  fingers,  say- 
ing the  while,  "  Wrinkles  don't  become  you  a 
bit,  papa  dear." 

Sir  Joseph  took  his  daughter  in  his  arms  and 
kissed  her,  saying:  "  Now  go  to  Lillian  and  see 
she  is  properly  welcomed  and  cared  for." 

After  Margaret  left  the  library  Sir  Joseph 
paced  up  and  down  the  room  deep  in  thought ; 
finally  he  muttered,  "  I  hope  Robert  will  prove 
worthy  of  her." 


248 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 

THE  following  morning  Robert  Coleshill,  at- 
tired in  civilian's  dress,  appeared  at  the  porch 
entrance  to  the  castle  and  plied  the  huge 
knocker.  It  was  the  first  time  he  had  entered 
the  grounds  from  the  driveway,  or  indeed,  that 
he  had  put  his  foot  on  any  part  of  the  estate 
saving  in  escorting  Margaret  through  the 
woodland  contiguous  to  the  tower,  on  the 
memorable  occasion  of  the  stag  attacking  him. 
As  he  lowered  the  knocker  that  event  flashed 
through  his  mind,  and  he  wondered  if  his 
present  reception  would  fare  any  better. 

The  door  was  opened  by  Margaret,  who  had 
been  on  the  watch,  and  who  forestalled  the 
butler,  whom  she  directed  to  retire  to  his  sanc- 
tuary. Without  hesitation  Margaret  threw  her 
arms  about  her  lover's  neck  and  whispered: 
"  Take  courage,  Robert,  and  do  your  best  to 
ingratiate  yourself,"  then  she  escorted  him  to 
the  library,  and  opening  the  door,  said: 
"  Papa,  Mr.  Robert  Coleshill  has  come  to  beg 

249 


OWL     TOWER 

an  interview  with  you;"  then  she  withdrew, 
closing  the  door. 

Sir  Joseph  was  seated  in  an  arm-chair  occu- 
pied in  reading.  Placing  the  book  on  the 
table  beside  him,  he  arose,  and  taking  Robert 
by  the  hand,  at  the  same  time  looking  intently 
at  him,  said:  "  Mr.  Coleshill,  I  have  consented 
to  this  interview  on  my  daughter's  account.  If 
you  are  not  welcomed  by  me  at  first  with  evi- 
dence of  pleasure,  it  is  not  intended  to  discour- 
age you.  I  am  naturally  anxious  that  my 
daughter  be  allied  in  marriage  only  to  a  gen- 
tleman worthy  of  her  and  of — my  house.  The 
unfortunate  tension  existing  between  the  two 
families  has  prevented  me  from  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  you  earlier,  although  it  seems  to 
have  been  no  obstacle  to  my  daughter  doing 
so.  From  private  observation  I  have  every 
reason  to  believe  you  worthy  of  my  daughter's 
attachment,  and  my  consent  or  refusal  will  de- 
pend upon  the  result  of  this  interview." 

"  I  am  very  grateful  to  you,  Sir  Joseph," 
Robert  replied,  "  for  encouraging  me  to  feel 
that  my  plea  will  not  be  without  hope.  I; 
came  here  feeling  you  were  my  father's  enemy, 
and  that  my  first  effort  would  be  to  convince 

250 


OWL     TOWER 

you  that  the  hereditary  animosity,  if  it  really 
does  exist  outside  of  the  imagination,  had  at 
least  never  entered  into  my  heart.  I  must 
admit  that  my  father  had  explained,  upon  my 
earnest  inquiry,  the  reasons  for  reticence  be- 
tween the  two  families;  and  young  as  I  was, 
I  thought  it  a  great  injustice  that  the  sins  of 
our  ancestors  should  be  visited  upon  the  chil- 
dren for  so  many  generations.  I  had  never 
taken  advantage  of  this  feeling,  however,  to 
seek  a  reconcilement,  nor  in  any  manner  to 
force  myself  upon  your  daughter's  acquaint- 
ance, although  for  many  years  I  took  the 
liberty  of  loving  her  in  secret. 

"  Our  acquaintance  was  brought  about  by 
the  fear  on  my  part  that  an  accident  had  be- 
fallen her  in  the  tower;  and  in  going  to  her 
assistance,  the  mutual  discovery  was  made  that 
honorable  hearts  are  not  deterred  from  noble 
actions  by  ancestral  whims.  From  this  desire 
to  protect  her  sprang  our  avowed  attachment, 
although  I  rarely  met  your  daughter,  for  fear 
of  bringing  your  displeasure  upon  her. 

"  Learning  of  your  determination  to  marry 
your  daughter  only  to  a  gentleman  of  title, 
and  having  been  robbed  of  mine  through  the 

251 


OWL     TOWER 

actions  of  an  ancestor,  I  resolved  upon  win- 
ning a  title,  or  death,  to  prove  my  worthiness 
of  her  hand.  I  have  gained  a  title — although 
it  is  naught  to  me — and  escaped  death's  hand 
so  many  times  I  felt  at  last  I  was  immune 
from  it,  and  that  Margaret  surely  would  be 
mine. 

"  In  considering  my  plea  you  need  not  ask 
where  honor  dwells,  nor  seek  in  vain  affection's 
proof;  the  mountain's  crest  upholds  the  one,  the 
ocean's  depth  my  love  denotes.  The  spring- 
time of  our  love  shall  be  sweet  as  the  sound  of 
minstrelsy.  The  summer's  sun  will  shed  less 
warmth,  than  mutual  love  will  to  us  yield. 
Autumn  will  find  us  hand  in  hand,  gathering 
fruits  of  choicest  brand.  The  winter  of  our 
lives  shall  be  marred  by  no  solemn  litany." 

Sir  Joseph  was  not  prepared  for  this  kind 
of  pleading.  He  had  expected  the  interview 
would  render  it  necessary  to  cross-question 
Robert,  to  discover  the  depth  if  his  character, 
and  give  him  an  opportunity  to  test  his  affec- 
tion for  his  daughter;  but  there  was  no  open- 
ing left  to  him.  Even  the  matter  of  a  title 
had  been  so  adroitly,  though  unintentionally, 
relegated  by  Robert  to  the  depths  of  oblivion 

252 


OWL    TOWER 

as  of  such  little  value  in  his  eyes,  that  Sir 
Joseph  was  ashamed  to  exhibit  his  worldliness 
by  resurrecting  it. 

For  a  moment  he  sat  nonplussed,  fumbling 
the  book  which  lay  beside  him  and  casting  fur- 
tive glances  at  Robert,  as  though  studying 
upon  a  way  to  close  the  interview  gracefully. 

Finally  he  changed  the  subject  by  reverting 
to  the  disaster  at  Majuba  Hill,  and  having 
heard  Robert's  version  of  the  battle,  said: 

"  Mr.  Coleshill,  before  deciding  this  all-im- 
portant matter  for  my  daughter,  I  will  first 
give  her  an  opportunity  to  be  present.  Will 
you  be  good  enough  to  touch  the  bell?  " 

The  butler  having  appeared  in  response, 
Margaret,  who  was  lingering  near,  was  quickly 
notified  that  her  presence  was  desired. 

Margaret  blushed  deeply  as  she  entered  the 
library,  for  she  instinctively  felt  the  crisis  had 
arrived  which  was  to  decide  her  fate.  For  one 
moment  she  stood  as  she  passed  the  threshold 
and  glanced  from  her  father  to  her  lover;  and 
as  the  latter  arose  and  bowed  to  her,  she  cour- 
tesied  deeply  in  acknowledgment;  then  she 
stepped  forward  to  where  her  father  sat  and 
stood  beside  him. 

253 


OWL    TOWEB 

"  Margaret,  my  dear,"  said  Sir  Joseph, 
"  matrimony  is  the  most  serious  engagement 
that  can  be  entered  into,  more  momentous  even 
than  battle.  Are  you  sure  you  have  had  suffi- 
cient opportunity  to  discover  if  your  affections 
are  rightly  placed? " 

From  a  deep  blush,  Margaret's  face  turned 
to  crimson.  She  put  forward  one  dainty  little 
foot,  gazed  upon  it,  and  replied : 

"  Papa,  my  attachment  for  Mr.  Coleshill  is 
not  the  result  of  opportunity;  it  has  been  a 
gradual  growth  dating  back  many  years,  al- 
though it  was  not  manifested  until  a  compara- 
tively recent  date,  and  it  has  remained  smol- 
dering ever  since  in  consequence  of  the  re- 
straints put  upon  us." 

Sir  Joseph  was  again  answered  in  a  man- 
ner which  left  no  room  for  argument,  and  he 
commented:  "After  conversing  with  Mr. 
Coleshill,  my  dear,  I  must  admit  I  can  discover 
no  objection  to  him.  It  is  due  to  Mr.  Tredin- 
ham,  however,  that  a  proper  explanation  be 
made  to  him,  and  I  think  he  should  be  invited 
hither,  now  Mr.  Coleshill  is  present." 

'  I  think,  papa,  it  would  be  less  embarrass- 
ing to  Mr.  Tredinham  if  you  were  to  explain 

254 


OWL     TOWER 

matters  to  him  apart  from  our  presence,  inas- 
much as  I  never  by  word  or  deed  encouraged 
him  to  hope." 

"  Possibly  so,  my  dear,"  answered  Sir 
Joseph,  "  and  as  I  alone  am  responsible  for  the 
unhappy  mistake,  I  will  undertake  to  pacify 
him.  I  think  that  is  all." 

"  And  do  you  give  your  consent,  papa? " 

"  I  may  as  well  be  gracious  about  it,"  replied 
Sir  Joseph,  fumbling  the  book  in  his  evident 
desire  to  rid  himself  of  the  subject. 

"  Oh,  I  am  so  happy,"  returned  Margaret, 
throwing  her  arms  about  her  father's  neck  and 
kissing  him. 

"  And  I  likewise,  Sir  Joseph,"  said  Robert ; 
"  I  was  never  so  happy  unless  it  was  on  that 
day  when  I  made  the  discovery  that  Margaret 
was  not  infused  with  the  unholy  feud  which 
had  separated  the  two  families,  and  that  she 
might  possibly  be  the  means  of  uniting  the  two 
houses  in  the  friendship  that  formerly  existed." 

"  The  more  I  think  upon  the  sentiments  the 
two  houses  have  held  towards  each  other  for 
so  many  generations,  the  more  ashamed  I  am," 
replied  Sir  Joseph;  and  after  meditating  for 
a  few  moments,  he  continued :  "  As  those 

255 


OWL     TOWER 

sentiments  apparently  never  existed  as  between 
you  two,  it  will  be  none  the  less  necessary  that 
a  reconciliation  be  brought  about  between 
Squire  Coleshill  and  myself,  and  I  must  leave 
you  to  pave  the  way  for  it;  so  far  as  I  am 
concerned,  I  will  submit  to  any  honorable 
retraction." 

"  You  are  very  gracious,  Sir  Joseph,"  said 
Robert,  "  and  I  am  sure  no  retraction  or  ex- 
planation will  be  required ;  all  that  is  necessary 
is  to  forget  the  past,  and  remember  that  the 
present  representatives  of  the  two  houses  are 
in  no  wise  responsible." 

"  Capital,"  coincided  Sir  Joseph;  "  why  was 
not  such  an  easy  way  out  of  it  thought  of 
sooner? " 

"  I  suppose  it  was  lack  of  disposition," 
answered  Robert. 

"  And  the  sight  of  the  old  tower  was  a  con- 
stant reminder  of  the  cause  of  the  feud,"  added 
Sir  Joseph. 

"  Any  other  object  might  have  produced  the 
same  result,  Sir  Joseph,"  replied  Robert, 
anxious  to  protect  the  old  structure  which  had 
contributed  so  much  to  his  happiness. 

'  Well,  we  must  be  reconciled  now,  at  all 

256 


OWL     TOWER 

events,"  said  Sir  Joseph,  and  having  taken  his 
book  as  though  to  close  the  interview,  the  happy 
couple  bowed  and  proceeded  to  leave  the  room. 
'  You  will  join  us  at  luncheon,  Mr.  Coles- 
hill,"  Sir  Joseph  called  after  them. 

Immediately  after  the  young  couple  quitted 
the  library  Sir  Joseph  was  no  longer  interested 
in  his  book,  for  he  immediately  closed  it,  and 
rising,  paced  up  and  down  the  room  for  several 
minutes  stroking  his  beard.  Finally  he  mut- 
tered: "  I  am  glad  of  it.  I  am  very  favor- 
ably impressed  with  Robert  Coleshill,  and  I 
can't  say  I  was  particularly  attracted  towards 
Mr.  Tredinham,  although  his  presence  here 
brought  about  what  seemed  to  be  the  inevi- 
table. I  will  hunt  him  up  and  end  his  sus- 
pense, for  I  daresay  he  is  deploring  his  fate." 


257 


CHAPTER   XXXIV 

LILLIAN  was  very  graciously  received  by  Lady 
Trevisick,  so  much  so  that  the  latter  kept  her 
in  conversation  for  several  hours  to  the  exclu- 
sion of  the  other  members  of  the  family. 

On  the  following  day  Lillian  was  at  liberty 
to  follow  her  own  inclinations,  and  having  dis- 
covered from  Margaret  in  the  course  of  their 
conversation  that  Arthur  Tredinham  had 
never  even  addressed  her  as  a  suitor,  and  that 
his  attachment  for  her  had  never  been  recipro- 
cated or  encouraged,  Lillian  decided  to  take  a 
walk,  and  if  possible  fall  in  with  Mr.  Tredin- 
ham, so  she  might  satisfy  her  curiosity  as  to  the 
qualifications  of  that  young  gentleman. 

She  had  been  requested  by  Margaret  to  shun 
the  neighborhood  of  the  tower  as  a  spot  sacred 
to  Robert  and  herself,  and  Lillian  laughingly 
consented,  on  the  understanding  that  if  she 
was  ever  fortunate  enough  to  secure  a  lover, 
her  claims  to  sacredness  would  likewise  be 
observed. 

Lillian  tripped  across  the  lawn,   and  the 

258 


OWL    TOWER 

shrubbery  being  mostly  deciduous  and  afford- 
ing no  adequate  hiding  place,  she  was  visible 
for  some  time  flitting  among  the  bushes ;  finally 
she  entered  the  forest  and  was  lost  to  view. 

She  proceeded  some  distance  into  the  inte- 
rior and  had  reached  a  dense  cluster  of  hemlock 
trees  underneath  which  the  deer  were  wont  to 
assemble  on  stormy  days.  On  this  occasion, 
however,  no  sign  of  life  was  visible.  The  wind 
sighed  through  the  dense  branches,  and  its 
sound  reminded  her  of  the  White  Umvolos 
River  as  it  swept  through  its  rush-covered 
banks  on  that  starlight  night  when  she  tried 
in  vain  to  win  Robert  to  her. 

Gazing  for  some  minutes  at  the  majestic 
evergreen  trees,  she  at  last  parted  the  lower 
branches  and  entered.  For  a  moment  she 
stared  in  apparent  astonishment,  for  before  her 
stood  the  object  of  her  solicitation.  He  had 
been  seated  on  a  fallen  tree,  and  having  wit- 
nessed Lillian's  approach,  he  arose  as  she  en- 
tered and  saluted  her  with  a  bow. 

"  I  fear  I  have  intruded  upon  your  secret 
retreat,  Mr.  Tredinham,"  she  ventured. 

"Not  at  all,  Miss  Isandlana;  I  am  truly 
glad  at  the  prospect  of  having  you  to  condole 

259 


OWL    TOWER 

with  me,  if  you  will  condescend  to  assist  me 
that  much,  for  I  am  grievously  disappointed." 

"  I  am  made  acquainted  with  the  cause  of 
your  grief,  Mr.  Tredinham;  and  perhaps  my 
explanation  will  help  you  to  bear  it  more  philo- 
sophically. Shall  we  sit  on  this  fallen  tree? " 

"  You  are  very  gracious,  Miss  Isandlana," 
said  Mr.  Tredinham,  as  he  spread  his  handker- 
chief on  the  trunk  for  her  and  sat  beside  her. 

"  You  are  grieving  over  the  loss  of  Mar- 
garet, Mr.  Tredinham.  Had  you  any  assur- 
ance from  her  that  she  loved  you,  or  that  she 
was  willing  to  be  betrothed  to  you?  " 

"  None  whatever;  I  was  simply  invited  to 
the  castle  by  Sir  Joseph,  and  naturally  fell  in 
love  with  Miss  Trevisick.  She  was  always 
very  kind  to  me,  although  she  avoided  all  ref- 
erence to  matters  of  love;  still,  I  felt  as  I 
loved  her  that  she  would  naturally  be  reconciled 
to  me  after  marriage." 

"  That  might  be,  too,  Mr.  Tredinham,  but  it 
is  best  to  understand  each  other  fully  before 
that  important  event  takes  place.  Were  you 
not  acquainted  with  the  fact  that  her  love  was 
pledged  to  another?  " 

"  I  can  hardly  plead  ignorance  of  it,  al- 

260 


OWL    TOWER 

though  there  was  every  reason  to  believe  Mr. 
Coleshill  was  dead;  besides,  my  great  love  for 
Margaret  would  not  allow  me  to  admit  of 
obstacles." 

"  In  that  also  you  were  at  fault;  you  should 
have  made  provision  for  Mr.  Coleshill's  possi- 
ble return,  and  in  that  case  Margaret  might 
in  time  have  learned  to  reciprocate  your  love; 
as  it  is,  she  has  had  his  memory  constantly  be- 
fore her,  with  your  apparent  selfishness  to 
oppose." 

"  I  see  it  all,  Miss  Isandlana,  now  it  is  too 
late." 

"  I  fear  it  would  have  been  in  vain  had  you 
made  the  discovery  earlier,  for  loves  like  theirs 
are  not  easily  beguiled." 

"  I  wish  I  had  known  you,  Miss  Isandlana, 
before  I  got  to  love  her  so  deeply ;  it  is  hard  to 
relinquish  her." 

"  But  you  never  had  the  slightest  hold  on 
her,  Mr.  Tredinham.  If  you  will  forget  her 
for  a  moment,  and  reason  that,  after  all,  your 
love  was  misplaced  and  that  it  still  remains 
with  you  unimpaired  to  bestow  on  another 
who  may  reciprocate,  you  will  immediately  dis- 
miss her  from  your  thoughts,  other  than  as  a 

261 


OWL    TOWER 

beautiful  woman  deserving  your  respect,  and 
thus  derive  pleasure  at  her  good  fortune  in  re- 
covering her  lost  lover." 

"  I  feel  I  will  never  meet  another  who  will 
make  such  an  impression  upon  me,"  he  replied 
mournfully. 

"  I  will  relate  something  to  you,  Mr.  Tredin- 
ham,  to  illustrate  you  are  not  the  only  one  who 
has  suffered.  I  met  Mr.  Coleshill  in  Zululand, 
where  he  was  held  captive  by  King  Cetewayo, 
as  my  intended  husband.  Being  an  orphan,  I 
was  not  educated  under  that  strict  surveillance 
governing  the  affections,  and  taking  a  liking 
to  Mr.  Coleshill  at  sight,  I  naturally  felt  he 
belonged  to  me,  without  once  thinking  the  state 
of  his  heart  might  not  allow  him  to  reciprocate. 
I  was  consequently  bitterly  disappointed  when 
I  discovered  his  affections  were  already  fixed 
on  Margaret,  and  had  not  the  further  dis- 
closure been  made  that  Margaret  was  my 
cousin,  there  is  no  telling  where  my  chagrin 
would  have  ended;  as  it  is,  I  love  him  just  as 
much,  possibly,  for  his  firm  attachment,  and  I 
readily  gave  up  all  hope  of  ever  weaning  him 
from  his  first  love." 

'  You  quite  surprise  me,  Miss  Isandlana, 
262 


OWL    TOWER 

and  I  already  feel  the  good  effects  of  your  re- 
marks, although  they  do  not  take  the  form  of 
the  condolence  I  expected.  I  have  decided  in 
this  short  space  of  time  to  graciously  acknowl- 
edge Robert  Coleshill's  prior  right  to  Mar- 
garet's hand;  but  I  will  be  very  wary  how  I 
allow  myself  to  fall  in  love  again." 

"  I  think  it  is  a  grave  mistake  for  one  to  do 
all  the  wooing,  Mr.  Tredinham ;  it  should  be  as 
nearly  as  possible  equally  divided." 

"  A  capital  suggestion,  Miss  Isandlana ;  and 
I  will  certainly  see  that  the  next  girl  I  fall  in 
love  with  contributes  her  share." 

Lillian  sighed  as  she  discovered  the  easy  sus- 
ceptibility of  the  youth  beside  her,  and  com- 
pared it  with  her  own  impetuous  yearning  to 
be  loved. 

The  sigh  did  not  escape  the  ears  of  the  youth, 
and  as  he  turned  his  face  to  look  upon  her  he 
involuntarily  sighed  in  response. 

Lillian  blushed  under  his  continued  gaze, 
and  after  casting  a  furtive  glance  at  him, 
turned  her  eyes  to  the  ground  and  beat  a 
tattoo  on  the  dead  leaves  with  her  foot. 

The  constant  movement  of  her  eyelashes 
indicated  the  embarrassment  she  felt;  and  an 

263 


OWL    TOWER 

indescribable  longing — the  result  of  unrequited 
love — seized  the  youth  to  possess  her  affec- 
tions. 

"  Miss  Isandlana,"  he  said  tremulously, 
"  may  I  ask  you  if  your  heart  is  already  fixed 
upon  another? " 

She  raised  her  head  quickly,  looked  at  him  in 
apparent  astonishment,  and  replied: 

"  My  heart  is  still  my  own,  Mr.  Tredinham; 
why  do  you  ask?  " 

"  Because  I  must  find  someone  to  love  me," 
he  answered;  and  falling  on  his  knees  before 
her,  he  exclaimed  in  a  voice  of  emotion: 
"  Don't  think  ill  of  me,  Miss  Isandlana;  don't 
condemn  me  as  inconstant;  give  me  one  little 
sign  of  encouragement;  one  word  to  hope  that 
you  will  think  favorably  of  me ;  and  out  of  the 
depth  of  my  heart's  despair  I  will  love  you 
with  a  devotion  surpassing  earthly  under- 
standing." 

Lillian  replied  somewhat  sternly:  "Will 
you  accompany  me  back  to  the  castle,  Mr. 
Tredinham,  or  allow  me  to  proceed  thither 
without  further  reference  to  love  affairs? " 

"Oh!  forgive  me,  Miss  Isandlana,"  the 
youth  exclaimed;  "  you  do  not  understand  me, 

264 


OWL    TOWER 

nobody  ever  did,"  and  arising,  he  walked  away 
with  bowed  head,  into  the  hemlock  gloom. 

Lillian's  bosom  swelled  as  she  gazed  after 
his  retreating  figure,  and  realizing  she  had 
deeply  wounded  him,  she  called  his  name;  but 
the  youth  continued  on  unmindful  of  her 
voice.  Then  she  ran  after  him,  and  placing 
her  hand  upon  his  arm,  spoke  in  a  pleading 
voice : 

"  Forgive  my  unkindness,  Mr.  Tredinham. 
I  am  willing  to  listen  to  your  plea.  I,  too,  am 
longing  for  someone  to  understand  me,  some- 
one to  love  me." 

They  stood  face  to  face  under  the  frowning 
heights  of  the  hemlock  trees  and  gazed  lovingly 
in  each  other's  eyes. 

"I  will  strive  to  understand  you,  Miss 
Isandlana,"  replied  the  youth.  "  I  already 
love  you  devotedly,"  and  he  drew  her  to  him 
and  kissed  her. 

And  so  they  stood  in  love's  embrace  under 
the  forest  trees,  dwelling  upon  that  old,  old 
story  which  has  never  lost  its  sweetness  since 
the  day  it  started  in  the  Garden  of  Eden, 
totally  oblivious  of  the  fact  that  other  foot- 
steps crackled  the  dead  leaves,  and  that  other 
eyes  had  witnessed  their  affection. 

265 


CHAPTER   XXXV 

SIR  JOSEPH  having  delivered  his  soliloquy  con- 
cerning the  relative  merits  of  Robert  Coles- 
hill  and  Arthur  Tredinham,  left  the  library 
for  the  purpose  of  making  a  conciliatory  ex- 
planation to  the  latter  regarding  the  with- 
drawal of  his  daughter's  hand. 

His  first  step  was  to  ascertain  from  his 
butler  the  whereabouts  of  that  young  gentle- 
man, and  that  worthy  individual — whose  most 
arduous  duty  consisted  in  studying  the  out- 
going and  incoming  of  everybody  connected 
with  the  establishment — reported  he  was  last 
seen  entering  the  forest. 

Sir  Joseph  thereupon  betook  himself  in  that 
direction,  and  feeling  that  the  young  man 
would  be  likely  to  select  a  sequestered  spot  in 
which  to  brood  over  his  disappointment,  un- 
molested, proceeded  straight  to  the  cluster  of 
hemlocks. 

As  he  neared  the  spot  he  walked  slowly, 
stopping  now  and  again  to  gaze  about  him,  as 

266 


OWL    TOWER 

though  loath  to  intrude  upon  the  sorrows  of -his 
young  guest. 

He  had  thus  reached  the  hemlocks,  and  was 
about  to  enter,  when  the  sound  of  Arthur's 
voice  fell  upon  his  ear,  and  parting  the 
branches,  he  espied  him  in  the  act  of  kneeling 
to  Lillipopo. 

Sir  Joseph  stared  in  wonderment  at  the 
spectacle,  and  when  Arthur's  pleading  reached 
his  ear  his  amazement  was  so  great  he  could 
not  withdraw  his  eyes  from  them ;  but  when  the 
climax  came  and  Arthur  drew  her  to  him  and 
Lillipopo  suffered  herself  to  be  kissed  without 
any  remonstrance,  all  kinds  of  imaginary  evils 
floated  through  his  brain,  and  closing  his  eyes 
to  shut  out  the  sight,  he  pushed  aside  the 
branches  and  rushed  upon  the  young  couple, 
shouting:  "Halt!  Halt!" 

On  seeing  the  apparition  of  Sir  Joseph, 
Lillipopo  gave  a  little  scream,  and  with  a  gasp 
placed  both  hands  over  her  heart.  Arthur 
Tredinham — whose  back  was  turned  to  Sir 
Joseph — not  realizing  for  a  moment  the  cause 
of  Lillipopo's  horrified  look,  lifted  his  hands 
above  his  head  and  shrugged  his  shoulders, 
imagining  something  was  about  to  fall  and 

267 


OWL    TOWER 

crush  him;  then,  turning  round  about,  his 
astonished  gaze  met  the  frowning  look  of  Sir 
Joseph. 

For  a  moment  Sir  Joseph  looked  savagely 
upon  him,  and  as  Arthur  did  not  quail  under 
it,  he  cast  an  embittered  look  on  Lillipopo. 

Excited  to  rebel  on  account  of  the  unchari- 
table look  Sir  Joseph  bestowed  on  her,  she 
exclaimed : 

"You  mean  thing!  you  nearly  frightened 
the  breath  out  of  me." 

"You  hussy!"  Sir  Joseph  fairly  hissed; 
and  becoming  more  angry,  he  turned  to  Arthur 
Tredinham,  and  ejaculated: 

"  How  dare  you  abuse  the  hospitality  of  my 
roof  by  such  dishonorable  actions?" 

"  I  may  be  guilty  of  impropriety,  Sir 
Joseph,"  the  young  man  replied,  "  but  I  will 
never  allow  my  name  to  be  sullied  with  dis- 
honor." 

"  I  came  here,"  said  Sir  Joseph,  "  expecting 
to  find  you  mourning  over  the  loss  of  my 
daughter's  hand,  and  to  explain  my  reason  for 
withdrawing  it;  and  instead  I  find  you  deep 
in  intrigue  with  my  niece.  It  is  no  longer  in- 
cumbent on  me  to  make  any  explanation  to 

268 


you,  and  I  insist  upon  your  leaving  Trevisick 
at  once." 

"I  am  to  blame,  uncle,"  exclaimed  Lilli- 
popo. 

"  Silence,  Miss!  "  shouted  Sir  Joseph. 

"  I  am  responsible  for  it  all,  Sir  Joseph," 
said  Arthur,  encouraged  by  Lillipopo's  sym- 
pathetic words. 

"  I  want  no  explanation,"  exclaimed  Sir 
Joseph;  "  my  eyes  do  not  deceive  me.  Please 
leave  me  so  I  can  confer  with  my  niece  unin- 
terrupted by  your  presence." 

'  You  have  disappointed  me  regarding  your 
daughter's  hand,"  responded  Arthur  bitterly; 
"now  you  rob  me  of  your  niece.  I  will  put 
an  end  to  it  all,"  and  he  angrily  left  the  spot. 

Turing  to  Lillipopo,  who  was  looking 
anxiously  after  the  departing  figure  of  the 
youth,  Sir  Joseph  said: 

"  As  for  you,  you  have  forfeited  my  regard 
by  your  unladylike  behavior.  I  would  not 
tolerate  clandestine  meetings  by  a  servant  of 
mine,  let  alone  a  niece  who  is  supposed  to  help 
maintain  the  dignity  of  my  house." 

"  There  was  nothing  clandestine  about  our 
meeting,  Sir  Joseph,"  Lillipopo  fearlessly  re- 

269 


OWL    TOWER 

plied.  "  Margaret  explained  to  me  that  Mr. 
Tredinham  had  never  received  the  slightest  en- 
couragement from  her  as  a  suitor,  and  think- 
ing— as  you  considered  him  good  enough  for 
her — I  had  a  right  to  become  interested  in  him 
on  my  own  account,  I  came  hither,  never 
dreaming  it  would  result  as  it  did.  Poor 
Arthur  must  have  discovered  a  magnetism  in 
my  words,  for  they  had  a  strange  effect  upon 
him,  and  you  evidently  witnessed  all  that 
transpired." 

"  Ladies  may  commit  such  extravagances  in 
Zululand,"  Sir  Joseph  replied,  "  but  they  are 
not  tolerated  in  this  country." 

'  King  Cetewayo  would  never  have  abused 
me  so,"  Lillipopo  whimpered. 

"  He  is  a  savage,  a  cannibal,"  Sir  Joseph 
replied. 

"  He  was  always  good  to  me,"  Lillipopo 
answered. 

'  You  will  next  be  trying  your  magnetic  in- 
fluence on  me,"  said  Sir  Joseph,  "  but  I  have 
no  intention  to  lower  the  dignity  of  my  house 
by  condoning  so  grave  an  offense  against  the 
proprieties.  Will  you  please  accompany  me 
to  your  aunt? " 

270 


OWL     TOWER 

Lillipopo  walked  demurely  by  Sir  Joseph's 
side  with  her  head  bowed.  After  proceeding 
some  distance  she  remarked : 

"  I  will  save  you  any  further  annoyance,  Sir 
Joseph,  by  returning  at  once  to  Zululand. 
Cetewayo  selected  Mr.  Coleshill  for  my  in- 
tended husband,  and  he  may  be  kind  enough  to 
hunt  up  a  good-looking  savage  for  me." 

Sir  Joseph  was  evidently  afraid  of  the  mag- 
netism, for  he  made  no  response. 

After  a  few  minutes'  walk  in  silence  Lilli- 
popo placed  her  hand  in  Sir  Joseph's  arm,  and 
squeezing  it  slightly,  again  addressed  him, 
saying  in  silvery  tones: 

"  Uncle  dear,  you  have  driven  Mr.  Tredin- 
ham  almost  to  suicide  by  your  cruel  words,  and 
as  for  myself  I  am  so  unhappy  I  will  not 
smile  again  unless  you  relent  towards  us." 

Sir  Joseph  walked  doggedly  along  in  silence, 
his  niece's  hand  still  resting  on  his  arm. 

"  Uncle  dear,  I  am  innocent  of  any  wrong 
intentions.  Won't  you  consider  that  I  have 
been  without  the  guiding  hand  of  parents  from 
the  time  I  was  a  child,  and  that  most  of  my 
life  has  been  spent  among  savages?  I  will 
promise  never  to  offend  you  again." 

271 


OWL    TOWER 

Still  no  answer  came  from  Sir  Joseph,  who 
walked  along,  his  gaze  fixed  sullenly  on  the 
ground. 

Finally  Lillipopo  could  stand  it  no  longer. 
She  stopped  and  stamped  her  foot,  exclaiming : 

"  I  hate  civilization  if  this  is  the  way  I  am 

to  be  treated.  I  hate  you.  I  hate "  and 

without  finishing  the  sentence  she  burst  into 
tears. 

This  event  was  unlooked  for  by  Sir  Joseph. 
He  expected  to  guard  against  Lillipopo's 
magnetism  by  being  silent,  although  he  hadn't 
the  slightest  idea  how  that  potent  factor  was  to 
take  hold  of  him.  For  a  moment  he  looked  at 
the  beautiful  young  creature  before  him  as  her 
bosom  heaved  with  commingled  anger  and  sor- 
row, and  his  fatherly  love  could  no  longer  be 
restrained.  Folding  her  in  his  arms,  he  said: 
"  My  dear,  forgive  me.  I  am  not  so  hard- 
hearted as  you  think,  although  I  am  choleric 
upon  occasion.  I  don't  want  you  to  hate  me. 
Go  and  find  Mr.  Tredinham  and  escort  him  to 
luncheon,  and  afterwards  accompany  him  to 
the  library,  where  I  will  discuss  the  matter." 

Lillipopo  raised  her  face  to  his  and  kissed 
him,  saying:  "Forgive  me,  dear  uncle;  I 

272 


OWL    TOWER 

could  never  hate  you  or  even  dislike  you.  I 
will  hasten  to  the  castle,  for  I  fear  Mr.  Tredin- 
ham  is  desperate." 

Sir  Joseph  looked  affectionately  after  her 
fleeting  figure  and  exclaimed:  "I  would  be 
desperate,  too ;  by  George !  she  is  full  of  mag- 
netism; she  beats  Old  Nick." 


273 


CHAPTER   XXXVI 

HAVING  been  summarily  dismissed  by  Sir 
Joseph,  and  realizing  that  any  opposition  to 
his  will  would  be  likely  to  increase  his  dis- 
pleasure towards  Lillipopo,  Arthur  Tredinham 
betook  himself  at  a  rapid  walk  towards  the 
castle. 

On  reaching  the  lawn  he  avoided  Margaret 
and  Robert,  who  were  engaged  in  earnest  con- 
versation near  the  main  entrance,  and  entering 
the  building  by  the  courtyard  door,  hurried 
through  the  labyrinth  of  passages  and  went 
directly  to  his  bed-chamber. 

He  immediately  sat  down  and  occupied  him- 
self for  some  time  in  writing  letters,  which  he 
afterwards  placed  on  the  dressing-table;  then 
taking  a  pistol  from  a  satchel,  he  stood  before 
a  mirror  and  deliberately  raised  the  weapon 
to  his  head. 

At  that  instant  the  door  was  quickly  thrown 
open,  a  cry  of  horror  rang  through  the  room, 
followed  by  a  rustling  of  skirts,  and  the  sound 

274 


OWL    TOWER 

of  muffled  footsteps  as  they  sped  over  the 
heavily  carpeted  floor,  and  in  another  moment 
the  image  of  Lillipopo  was  reflected  in  the  mir- 
ror throwing  her  arms  about  her  lover's  neck. 

After  leaving  Sir  Joseph,  Lillipopo — elated 
over  the  happy  news  she  was  conveying  to  her 
lover — sped  through  the  woodlands  with  the 
fleetness  of  the  fawn,  and  as  she  ran,  the 
thought  of  Arthur's  words  "  that  he  would  end 
it  all,"  flashed  through  her  brain.  She  passed 
Margaret  and  Robert,  who  anxiously  ques- 
tioned her  as  to  the  cause  of  her  haste,  but  she 
heeded  them  not,  and  flew  to  her  lover's  room. 

She  clung  to  his  neck,  her  breathing  coming 
and  going  in  fitful  gasps  as  she  strived  to  con- 
trol her  bosom's  swell;  but  it  was  for  a  brief 
moment  only,  and  then  her  arms  relaxed  and 
she  fell  unconscious  to  the  floor.  The  exhaus- 
tion caused  by  her  rapid  flight,  the  sudden 
shock  at  seeing  the  glittering  weapon,  and 
realizing  that  one  second  more  and  it  would 
have  been  too  late,  were  too  much  for  her  sen- 
sitive nerves. 

With  a  strength  born  of  love  and  despera- 
tion, Arthur  lifted  the  prostrate  form  bodily 
in  his  arms  as  though  she  were  a  child,  and  took 

275 


OWL    TOWER 

her  to  a  window  that  the  cool  air  might  revive 
her. 

As  he  gazed  tenderly  upon  her  the  rapid 
events  and  bitter  disappointments  of  the  past 
few  hours  flitted  through  his  brain,  and  he  felt 
that  the  beautiful  creature  in  his  arms  had  been 
sent  to  him  as  a  recompense,  and  not  knowing 
she  had  a  message  of  love  and  hope  to  reveal  to 
him,  he  shouted :  "  She  shall  be  mine !  "  and 
bending  his  head  he  pressed  his  lips  to  hers. 

A  deep  sigh  escaped  her,  and  then  she 
opened  her  eyes  and  stared  at  him  blankly  for 
an  instant,  ejaculating:  "Arthur,  what  is 
it?" 

He  bent  over  her  and  whispered,  "  You  over- 
taxed your  strength,  my  darling." 

"  Oh,  yes,  I  remember.  You  frightened  me 
so.  Why  did  you  attempt  such  a  dreadful 
thing?  Am  I  of  such  little  consequence  to  you 
that  you  could  leave  me  to  mourn?  " 

"  Forgive  me,"  he  said;  "  I  was  driven  to 
despair  by  the  double  disappointment.  You 
are  more  than  all  the  world  to  me,  now  I  have 
proof  of  your  affection." 

"  Supposing  Sir  Joseph  persists  in  his  ob- 
jection? "  Lillipopo  asked. 

276 


"  No  obstacle  will  hinder  me,  my  darling," 
Arthur  replied,  "  if  you  only  consent." 

"  Are  you  quite  sure,  Arthur,  you  have  had 
sufficient  time  to  study  my  disposition,  and  will 
not  despise  me  later?  " 

;<  The  answer  you  would  make  to  that,  Lilli- 
popo,  shall  be  mine." 

"  I  consent,"  she  whispered,  as  she  encircled 
her  arms  lovingly  about  his  neck.  "  It  may 
not  be  the  civilized  fashion  to  fall  in  love  so 
readily,  neither  will  you  find  my  heart  follow- 
ing the  fashions;  as  my  love  is  to-day,  so  will 
it  be  as  long  as  you  cherish  it.  Now,  Arthur, 
please  drop  me  before  your  embrace  drives 
me  into  another  swoon.  I  wonder  what  Mar- 
garet would  have  done  if  you  had  treated 
her  so?" 

"  Margaret  knows  her  own  heart  best,  my 
dear.  I  am  supremely  happy  in  the  thought 
that  though  the  fates  seemed  hard,  we  have  un- 
wittingly brought  about  each  other's  happi- 
ness." 

At  that  moment  a  knock  sounded  on  the 
door  and  Margaret  appeared  on  the  threshold, 
her  face  deeply  suffused  with  blushes. 

"Don't  blush  for  shame,  Margaret,  my 
277 


OWL    TOWER 

dear,"  exclaimed  Lillian,  rushing  up  to  her  and 
enfolding  her  in  her  arms.  "  I  am  not  going  to 
lose  your  affection  nor  lower  the  dignity  of 
your  father's  house  by  proving  myself  un- 
worthy. The  fates  compelled  me  to  fly  hither, 
and  Arthur  will  vindicate  me." 

"  Margaret,"  the  young  man  answered, 
"  Lillian  by  her  explanation  and  condolement 
reconciled  me  to  your  loss ;  and  my  weary  heart 
sought  refuge  in  her,  when  it  was  again  ruth- 
lessly torn  by  Sir  Joseph,  who  discovered  us 
and  naturally  misconstrued  the  situation. 
Feeling  I  was  doomed  to  disappointment,  I — 
oh!  let  it  ever  remain  a  secret,  Margaret,  for 
the  great  love  I  once  had  for  you.  Your 
cousin,  Lillian,  came  opportunely  and  saved 
me;  one  moment  more  and  the  horrible  deed 
would  have  been  committed." 

"  It  is  very  dreadful,"  Margaret  sorrowfully 
replied;  "  and  I  can't  help  feeling  I  have  been 
the  innocent  cause  of  it." 

"It  is  over  now,  Margaret,"  Arthur  con- 
tinued ;  "  Lillian  has  consented  to  accept  me 
for  better  for  worse." 

"  I  am  sure  she  will  not  be  disappointed  in 
you,  Arthur.  But  what  will  Sir  Joseph  say 

278 


to  it,  Lillian  dear?  "  Margaret  inquired,  turn- 
ing to  her  with  a  doubtful  look. 

"  He  requested  me  to  accompany  Arthur 
to  the  library  after  luncheon,"  Lillipopo 
replied. 

"  Then  I  may  as  well  congratulate  you 
both,"  Margaret  responded,  "  for  that  dear 
old  library  has  never  failed  to  bring  joy  to  the 
household.  Come !  luncheon  is  awaiting  us,  and 
the  butler  is  getting  gray  over  the  temperature 
of  the  soup." 

The  merry  voices  of  the  two  girls  as  they 
approached  the  dining-room  warmed  the  heart 
of  Sir  Joseph  to  a  sympathetic  pitch,  and  he 
actually  bowed  to  Arthur  as  the  latter  escorted 
Lady  Trevisick  to  her  chair,  and  Sir  Joseph 
did  something  besides  that  he  was  never  known 
to  do  before  or  since — something  which  the 
dignity  of  his  house  never  suffered,  albeit  his 
ancestors  looked  down  from  their  casements  on 
the  wall  and  seemed  to  nod  assent — he  winked 
one  eye  at  Lillian. 

It  was  not  without  some  anxiety  that  Arthur 
Tredinham  entered  the  library  with  Lillian,  but 
Sir  Joseph  instantly  put  the  young  couple  at 
their  ease  by  asking  them  to  overlook  his  un- 

279 


OWL    TOWER 

gracious  manner  towards  them  in  the  morn- 
ing. "  I  have  only  a  desire  for  your  good, 
and  to  protect  the  honor  of  my  house,"  he  said. 

"  The  one  will  always  be  an  incentive  for  me 
to  perpetuate  the  other,  Sir  Joseph,"  Arthur 
replied. 

"  Naturally  I  have  not  the  same  right  to 
question  you  as  I  had  my  daughter  on  the  same 
subject.  May  I  ask  in  my  niece's  behalf  if 
you  are  sure  you  have  not  arrived  too  suddenly 
at  a  conclusion  regarding  your  affection  for 
each  other?  It  seems  such  an  extraordinary 
occurrence  to  me,  that  in  a  few  minutes  a 
young  couple  can  reconcile  themselves  to  con- 
ditions which  are  supposed  to  continue  into  old 
age,  and  which  usually  take  months — as  it  did 
in  my  case — and  oftentimes  years,  to  deter- 
mine." 

"  I  will  allow  Miss  Isandlana  to  satisfy  you 
on  that  all-important  point,  Sir  Joseph,"  said 
Arthur. 

"  I  may  be  wrong,  uncle,"  Lillian  said  in 
response,  "  but  I  think  if  a  young  gentleman 
considers  a  young  lady  nice  enough  to  be 
kissed,  and  falls  in  love  with  her  at  sight,  and 
pledges  himself  to  be  true  to  her,  and  the  feel- 

280 


OWL    TOWER 

ing  is  mutual,  it  is  her  fault  if  she  does  not 
succeed  in  perpetuating  that  affection." 

"  Your  answer  is  incontrovertible  as  to  the 
problem,"  replied  Sir  Joseph ;  "  but  unfortu- 
nately there  is  no  way  of  anticipating  the  petty 
misunderstandings  that  will  intrude,  and  which 
often  cause  the  pendulum  to  work  out  of 
equilibrium.  Personally,  I  am  a  firm  believer 
in  the  old-fashioned  way  of  courtship,  but  to 
save  you  annoyance*  and  with  it  your  dis- 
pleasure— which  I  have  no  desire  to  incur — I 
may  as  well  accept  the  conditions.  I  would 
suggest,  however,  that  you  allow  yourselves  a 
period  of  courtship ;  it  is  an  event  in  one's  life 
which,  if  honorably  conducted,  is  by  far  the 
sweetest  that  befalls.  I  can  qualify  this  state- 
ment from  my  own  experience." 

"We  will  profit  by  your  suggestion,  Sir 
Joseph,"  Arthur  answered. 

"  One  important  duty  you  must  perform, 
Mr.  Tredinham,  before  you  become  too  much 
infatuated  with  my  niece,  and  I  suppose  it  will 
grow,  it  naturally  does;  you  must  communi- 
cate with  your  father  and  inform  him  of  the 
cause  which  broke  off  your  engagement  with 
my  daughter,  and  likewise  acquaint  him  of  the 

281 


OWL    TOWER 

present  conditions.  I  must  communicate  with 
him  on  the  former  subject,  and  of  course  will 
furnish  my  niece's  qualifications.  Those  mat- 
ters being  attended  to,  you  are  at  liberty  to  re- 
main at  Trevisick,  a  welcome  guest." 

Arthur  thanked  Sir  Joseph,  and  Lillian 
stooped  over  him  as  he  sat  in  his  chair  and 
kissed  him,  and  did  something  else;  what  is 
mere  conjecture,  for  Sir  Joseph  never  told; 
but  she  evidently  bit  him,  for  Sir  Joseph  in- 
stantly put  his  handkerchief  to  his  face  and 
looked  at  it  as  though  he  expected  to  find 
traces  of  blood;  and  looking  after  Lillian  as 
she  swept  out  of  the  room,  he  muttered:  "  She 
beats  the  witchery  of  Endor;  she  is  not  only 
affectionate,  she  is  half  a  cannibal  at  that." 


CHAPTER  XXXVII 

THE  Sabbath-day  had  passed  away  among  the 
villagers  in  a  manner  wholly  different  from 
their  usual  method  of  spending  it.  The  village 
was  usually  so  quiet  on  that  day  from  the  rising 
of  the  sun  to  the  going  down  thereof  that  a 
stranger  unacquainted  with  its  customs  might 
be  pardoned  for  considering  the  place  aban- 
doned. The  very  dogs  seemed  to  know  the  day 
apart  from  the  rest  and  ceased  to  roam,  and  the 
chief  chanticleer  which  was  wont  to  crow  its 
challenge  and  strut  with  fire  in  its  eye  on  secu- 
lar days,  was  fain  to  stand  on  one  leg  and 
reserve  its  clarion  call. 

On  this  particular  day  of  Robert  Coleshill's 
reappearance  no  rule,  no  rote  could  control 
the  superabundant  joy  of  the  villagers,  as  they 
went  from  house  to  house  to  gossip,  although 
they  reserved  all  further  demonstration  till  the 
morrow. 

On  Monday  they  manifested  their  joy  by 
postponing  the  weekly  clothes  wash;  and  be  it 

283 


OWL    TOWER 

said,  with  all  charitable  intent,  many  of  them 
made  frequent  visits  to  the  village  inn  to  give 
greater  zest  to  their  exuberance,  and  kept 
Widow  Hodge  in  constant  agitation,  lest  some 
of  them  should  overslip  the  bounds  and  bring 
disgrace  upon  her  reputation. 

The  church  bells  resounded  throughout  the 
day,  but  sweeter  than  all  was  the  merry  ring 
of  the  blacksmith's  anvil  as  good  old  Ben  saved 
half  the  labor  and  made  all  the  profit  in  con- 
versing with  the  villagers  who  had  assem- 
bled in  the  smithy  to  discuss  the  important 
events. 

No  sparks  were  ever  so  bright  or  flew  so 
lively  from  under  the  hammer  as  on  this  day 
under  the  old  man's  energetic  influence.  He 
had  gone  to  the  smithy  to  work  because  he  was 
so  accustomed  to  hammer  out  his  sentiments,  as 
it  were,  he  could  not  trust  his  expression  with- 
out it;  and  it  was  necessary  on  this  occasion  to 
hammer  them  out  sparkling  with  enthu- 
siasm. 

As  old  Ben  drew  the  glowing  iron  from 
the  fire  it  fairly  curled  around  the  tongs  as 
though  it  were  a  thing  of  life  and  strove  to 
escape  the  blows  which  were  to  enter  into  it. 

284 


OWL    TOWER 

Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link,  and 
a  beautiful  cascade  of  minute  meteors  flew 
from  under  the  hammer  at  each  successive  blow 
and  became  extinguished  ere  their  goal  was 
reached,  symbolic  of  those  great  spheres  which, 
forced  from  out  the  glow  of  Nature's  furnace, 
shine  on  and  on  for  countless  ages  as  they 
speed  through  infinite  space,  and  at  last  become 
dead  worlds  before  their  journey  is  accom- 
plished ;  the  time  and  space  no  greater  by  com- 
parison to  eternity  than  the  sparks  from  the 
anvil  are  to  the  span  of  life. 

Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link,  and 
old  Ben  found  his  long-silent  tongue: 

"  The  secret  is  revealed  at  last, 

And  I  am  free  to  speak  once  more. 
When  others  thought  him  surely  dead, 
I  knew  he  would  return  some  day; 
For  love  like  theirs  can't  live  apart, 

And  when  one  dies  the  other  dies, 
Though  one  may  rest  on  Arab  plain, 
And  knowledge  of  it  cometh  not 
Through  reg'lar  paths  that  knowledge  comes. 
The  heart  always  the  medium  is, 
Although  the  distance  's  great  between 
The  one  that  yearns  the  one  that  grieves. 
285 


OWL    TOWER 

Each  feels  the  joy  the  other  hath 

No  Summer's  Sun  so  quickly  yields; 

Each  feels  the  grief  the  other  knows 

No  winter's  blast  so  keenly  gives. 

Of  all  the  many  years  I've  lived 

No  joy  therein  has  been  like  this, 

When  love  and  beauty  tear  away 

The  darksome  veil  that  hid  the  truth, 

That  back  of  hatred's  ever  been 

A  lingering  hope  of  rectitude. 

The  skeleton  born  of  passion's  ire 

Hath  crumbled  to  dust  in  love's  embrace. 

The  ghosts  that  haunted  the  ivied  Tower 

Have  turned  it  into  the  lovers'  bower — 

The  feud  which  existed  in  status  quo 

Was  broken  in  fact  by  Margaret's  bow; 

The  arrow  it  sped  with  its  message,  '  Bang !  Bing ! ' 

Has  proved  in  effect  a  most  wonderful  thing. 
Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link 
Tink-a-link-a-link !  BANG !— BING  .'—BANG !  " 

Old  Ben  having  delivered  this  oration  to  his 
open-mouthed  companions,  poised  his  hammer, 
saying :  "  I  am  not  a  Samuel  Wegg,  there- 
fore I  did  not  expect  to  drop  into  poetry; 
but  my  soul  was  in  it,  and  I  did  so  almost  un- 
consciously; but  somehow  the  hammer  brought 
it  out,  as  it  has  brought  out  the  glow  of  many 

286 


OWL    TOWER 

things  in  times  past,  and  put  them  into  shape 
without  my  seeming  to  be  conscious  of  it ;  albeit, 
men,  you  have  had  my  sentiments." 

At  that  moment  Robert  Coleshill  appeared 
at  the  door,  and  bowing  cheerfully  to  the  as- 
sembly as  he  entered,  held  out  his  hand  to  the 
blacksmith,  exclaiming  in  a  voice  of  emotional 
gladness,  "  My  staunch  old  friend." 

Old  Ben  dropped  the  hammer  and  looked  at 
his  hand  for  a  moment,  then  wiped  it  on  his 
leather  apron,  saying:  "  It  is  not  over-cleanly, 
young  sir,  but  it  must  welcome  you,  and  joy- 
fully, too,"  and  as  he  gazed  upon  Robert's 
face  two  tears  glistened  in  his  eyes,  to  an- 
nounce the  unspeakable  gladness  he  had  at 
heart  in  meeting  him. 

"  I  owe  you  much,"  Robert  said,  "  and  you 
can  only  be  repaid  by  a  perpetual  friendship 
between  us;  you  will  never  find  me  backward 
in  it." 

"  I  am  sure  of  it,  sir,"  old  Ben  replied.  "  I'll 
warrant  you  never  lagged  in  battle,  nor  in  any- 
thing except  returning  to  her.  It  was  all  I 
could  do  sometimes  to  believe  you  were  alive; 
but  when  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  Miss  Mar- 
garet, I  made  up  my  mind  you  were  a  prisoner 

287 


OWL    TOWER 

among  the  savages,  somewhere ;  and  I  kept  the 
hammer  a-going." 

"  The  welcome  I  have  received  compensates 
for  much  of  the  sorrow  I  have  undergone," 
Robert  replied;  "although  I  have  yet  to  dis- 
cover what  welcome  Sir  Joseph  will  accord 
me.  I  am  on  my  way  to  the  castle." 

"  Something  tells  me  it  must  come  out  to 
your  liking,  sir;  if  not,  Sir  Joseph  will  drive 
his  horses  bare-shod  for  one  thing,  for  this  arm 
will  never  drive  another  nail  for  him  if  he 
causes  Miss  Margaret  more  sorrow.  But  she 
is  worth  pleading  hard  for,  sir;  open  your 
heart  to  Sir  Joseph,  and  I  feel  he  won't  be  able 
to  refuse  you." 

Robert  laughed  and  proceeded  on  his  way  to 
the  castle. 

During  the  day  a  few  of  the  old  villagers 
who  were  wont  to  assemble  in  the  special  room 
at  the  inn  tried  to  gain  an  entrance  thereto  by 
stealth,  but  Widow  Hodge  intercepted  them. 
"  I  don't  intend  to  interrupt  the  gladness  of 
this  day  by  giving  you  an  opportunity  to  in- 
dulge beyond  your  capacity,"  she  said  to 
them;  "  come  at  your  usual  hour  and  you  will 
be  admitted." 

288 


OWL     TOWER 

That  evening  they  assembled  as  usual,  and 
being  promptly  supplied  with  their  grog,  the 
village  oracle  gave  a  resume  of  the  startling 
events  that  had  transpired  since  their  Saturday 
night's  sitting,  and  each  listener  sat  with  eyes 
riveted  upon  the  speaker.  They  had  already 
heard  every  word  that  was  about  to  be  related, 
but  there  was  something  about  the  repetition 
of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  village,  in  that 
room,  which  added  gravity  and  importance  to 
them. 

The  little  tailor,  who  was  always  greatly 
interested  in  these  recitals — and  who  conse- 
quently displayed  a  greater  degree  of  demon- 
stration in  relation  thereto — knowing  what  was 
to  come,  sat  with  his  shoulders  shrugged  so  that 
his  neck  had  already  reconciled  itself  with  his 
body;  and  as  Sam  Tredinnick  related  the  meet- 
ing of  the  lovers  and  Squire  Coleshill  at  the 
haunted  tower,  his  coat  collar  gradually  rose 
until  his  ears  were  obscured;  but  when  the 
oracle  gave  a  description  of  the  strange  lady 
darting  like  a  deer  through  the  woodlands  fol- 
lowed by  Sir  Joseph,  the  little  man's  head  sank 
completely  out  of  sight,  his  coat  collar  lifted 
his  hat  from  off  his  head  and  at  the  same  time 

289 


OWL    TOWER 

a  feeble  cry  of  "Murder!  Fire!  Thieves!" 
escaped  him;  and  when  at  last  silence  brought 
him  to  the  surface  again,  he  looked  around  in 
utter  bewilderment,  as  though  he  expected  to 
find  the  realization  of  his  expression. 


290 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII 

THE  fates  at  last  dealt  kindly  with  the  lovers. 
Robert  had  taken  Margaret  to  his  home  to  in- 
troduce her  to  his  mother  and  sisters.  His 
mother  folded  Margaret  in  her  arms,  saying: 
"  It  is  a  happy  day  for  me,  my  dear,  to  see 
both  houses  thus  united  in  friendship,  after 
such  a  long  siege  of  enmity." 

Afterwards  Squire  John  took  her  by  the 
arm  and  escorted  her  around  to  view  the  dif- 
ferent rooms  of  the  old  mansion,  purposely 
omitting  his  own  sleeping-room  until  the  last, 
on  entering  which,  he  said: 

"  And  now,  my  dear,  I  must  tell  you  how 
near  you  got  the  righting  blood  of  the  Coles- 
hills  started  again,  and  how  the  old  feud  was 
nigh  unto  being  resumed  in  its  intensity." 

"Do  you  mean  me  personally,  Mr.  Coles- 
hill?  "  Margaret  inquired. 

"  None  other  than  you,  my  dear.  One 
morning  I  went  to  that  identical  window  " — 
pointing  thereto — "  to  view  the  state  of  the 

291 


OWL    TOWER 

weather,  as  is  my  daily  habit  of  doing,  when 
suddenly  a  crash  came,  scattering  the  glass 
about  me,  and  lo !  an  arrow  fell  at  my  feet.  I 
felt  of  course  it  was  a  challenge  from  Sir 
Joseph,  and  I  was  vowing  vengeance  that  I 
would  retaliate  with  my  ancestor's  cross-bow, 
when  my  attention  was  drawn  to  a  slip  of  paper 
affixed  to  the  arrow,  which  upon  close  examina- 
tion I  found  contained  another  sort  of  chal- 
lenge." 

"Oh!  Mr.  Coleshill,"  Margaret  pleadingly 
interrupted. 

"  No !  I  can't  spare  you,"  he  said,  then  con- 
tinued :  "  and  from  that  moment  I  learned  to 
love  you,  and  the  enmity  towards  your  house 
immediately  disappeared." 

The  beautiful  girl  stood  blushing  deeply  for 
a  moment,  then  replied:  "  It  was  very  good 
of  you,  Mr.  Coleshill.  I  don't  know  what  it 
is  to  dislike  anybody." 

"  I  am  quite  sure  of  that,  my  dear,  and  I 
trust  you  never  will.  It  is  a  sentiment  worthy 
the  angels." 

As  Margaret  was  about  to  take  her  leave 
Squire  Coleshill  remarked  to  her :  "  It  is  in- 
cumbent on  me  to  visit  your  father,  my  dear. 

292 


You  must  smooth  the  way  between  us,  and  if 
there  is  likely  to  be  any  danger,  just  tie  a  red 
ribbon  on  the  latch  of  the  front  gate.  I  will 
come  alone  to-morrow  at  ten  o'clock." 

"  I  will  apprise  my  father,  and  sincerely 
hope  the  meeting  will  be  a  happy  one,"  Mar- 
garet replied. 

After  dinner  that  evening,  Margaret — who 
had  assumed  her  old-time  demeanor  towards 
her  father — bent  over  him  as  he  sat  in  thought- 
ful mood,  saying:  "  Papa  dear,  may  I  inter- 
rupt you?  " 

"  What  is  it,  my  child?  "  he  replied,  placing 
his  arm  about  her  waist. 

"  Squire  Coleshill  intends  calling  upon  you 
to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o'clock.  Will  you 
receive  him  kindly  for  my  sake?  " 

Sir  Joseph  remained  silent  longer  than  ac- 
corded with  Margaret's  expectation,  and  she 
laid  her  hand  on  his  shoulder  with  a  sigh.  Then 
a  bright  thought  intruded  itself  and  she  said, 
"Papa,  let  me  tell  you  a  little  story,  a  true 
one." 

Sir  Joseph  remarked  laughingly:  '  Truth 
is  stranger  than  fiction;  let  me  hear  it;  but  no 
love  stories,  mind;  I  am  likely  to  have  a  surfeit 

293 


OWL    TOWER 

of  the  reality  for  some  time  to  come.  Your 
cousin,  Lillian,  has  already  got  Arthur  Tre- 
dinham  in  such  an  imbecile  state  he  doesn't 
know  whether  he  walks  on  his  head  or  his 
heels." 

"  And  what  about  Robert,  papa,  have  you 
noticed  any  change  in  him  ?  " 

"  It  seems  to  have  had  a  contrary  effect," 
Sir  Joseph  replied,  "  and  you  appear  to  be  the 
victim." 

"  Which  way,  papa?  do  tell  me,  for  I  blush 
to  think  I  may  appear  irrational." 

"  It  has  the  effect  of  your  wanting  to  bring 
Squire  Coleshill  and  me  together;  now  do  you 
suppose " 

"  Oh!  stop,  papa  dear,  before  you  say  some- 
thing which  I  know  you  do  not  feel  at  heart. 
Pray  listen  to  my  story.  Promise  you  will  not 
interrupt  me." 

"  I  promise,"  said  Sir  Joseph. 

"  Once  upon  a  time  there  lived  in  a  delight- 
ful part  of  the  world — I  won't  say  where — two 
very  learned  gentlemen — I  won't  say  who — 
whose  estates  joined  each  other.  They  were 
blessed  with  health  and  wealth,  yet  they  were 
at  times  very  unhappy.  A  dark  cloud  had 

294 


OWL    TOWER 

hovered  over  their  ancestors  in  ages  past,  whose 
evil  influence  had  descended  to  them;  and  al- 
though the  voice  of  wisdom  was  constantly 
whispering  in  their  ears,  '  The  cloud  has  van- 
ished; it  exists  only  in  imagination,'  they  re- 
fused to  listen  to  her  voice.  Their  children, 
impregnated  with  the  ban,  passed  each  other 
cheerlessly  with  drooping  eyes,  lest  evil  might 
result;  for  those  who  had  dared  to  look  were 
known  to  droop  and  die,  not  from  the  effects 
of  the  portentous  cloud,  but  of  unrequited 
love.  One  day  a  youth  and  maiden — children 
of  these  gentlemen — met  on  the  way ;  the  latter 
drooped  her  eyes,  the  former  bent  his  head  in 
reverence,  and  went  by  with  a  sigh.  The 
maiden  laughed  at  her  companion's  guile  in 
innocence  of  affront,  and  was  annoyed  to  find 
the  youth  had  turned  with  a  reproachful  look, 
born  less  of  anger  than  of  sorrow.  The  feel- 
ing grew  upon  the  maid  until  it  was  irresistible, 
that  it  was  her  duty  to  explain  to  the  youth  in 
justice  to  herself;  and  thinking  of  no  better 
plan,  she  wrote  a  few  words  on  a  card  in  ex- 
planation, and  securing  it  to  an  arrow,  shot  it 
through  the  air  in  the  direction  of  his  home, 
trusting  to  the  fates  that  it  might  fall  into  his 

295 


OWL    TOWER 

hands.  The  fates  guided  it  aright.  It  crashed 
through  a  window  and  fell  at  his  father's  feet. 
The  father  was  full  of  wrath;  the  ominous 
cloud  hovered  over  him  in  frowning  blackness ; 
he  was  about  to  retaliate  in  kind,  when  he 
espied  the  card  and  read  it ;  and  lo !  he  loved  the 
maiden  for  the  great  good  she  had  done,  and 
his  enmity  towards  her  father's  house  thence- 
forth ceased." 

"  It  is  a  very  pretty  story,  my  dear,"  Sir 
Joseph  said,  and  he  drew  his  daughter  to  him 
and  kissed  her,  adding:  "  Squire  Coleshill 
will  receive  a  kindly  welcome,  as  he  deserves." 


296 


CHAPTER   XXXIX 

As  the  time  drew  near  for  the  appearance  of 
Squire  Coleshill  at  the  castle,  Sir  Joseph  be- 
came ill  at  ease.  Soon  after  breakfast  there 
was  evidence  that  the  approaching  meeting  be- 
tween himself  and  his  old  enemy  was  giving 
him  unusual  concern,  for  he  walked  in  and  out 
the  library  and  up  and  down  the  hall,  to  the 
great  discomfort  of  the  butler,  who  was  at  his 
wit's  end  to  discover  how  to  avoid  him,  and  who 
after  sundry  dives  in  dark  corners  strode  away 
disgusted  to  the  kitchen,  where  he  extended  his 
disaffection  among  the  servants. 

Finally  Sir  Joseph  walked  out  on  to  the 
lawn,  where  he  paraded  up  and  down  with  the 
air  of  a  man  having  weighty  matters  on  his 
mind.  He  frequently  looked  at  his  watch,  and 
at  such  times  would  go  to  the  entrance  gate 
and  peer  anxiously  down  the  road  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Trewhiddle,  and  at  last  espying  the 
object  of  his  solicitation,  he  went  out  into  the 
road  and  walked  to  meet  him. 

297 


OWL    TOWER 

The  two  gentlemen  with  heads  erect  eyed 
each  other  critically  before  they  came  within 
speaking  distance,  and  then  with  one  accord, 
as  if  they  had  been  trained  thereat  for  this 
special  occasion,  they  lifted  their  hands  in  the 
air,  and  as  they  lowered  them  again  to  clasp, 
Sir  Joseph  exclaimed : 

"  Call  me  Joseph,  and  I  will  you  John.  It 
ought  to  have  been  done  long  years  ago  when 
we  were  boys;  I  realize  it  now  after  we  have 
lost  the  golden  days  of  youth." 

"  Bless  me,  it  is  not  too  late  now,  Sir  Jo — 
Joseph — it  comes  awkward  at  starting.  I  can 
cast  a  fly  as  well  as  I  ever  could,  and  as  for 
shooting,  two  birds  never  rose  before  my  gun 
and  had  the  opportunity  to  meet  again." 

"  We  will  strike  the  streams,  and  tread  the 
copse  together,  John ;  it  will  be  choice  sport  for 
us  even  now.  There  are  some  fine  graylings 
in  yonder  stream,  and  the  pheasants  have  a 
paradise,  for  they  are  rarely  molested,  the  visi- 
tors at  the  castle  usually  devoting  their  time  to 
books  or  to  love  affairs." 

'  Times  have  changed  wonderfully,  Joseph, 
in  late  years;  it  used  to  be  field  sports,  now  it 
is  effeminacy." 

298 


OWL    TOWER 

"  It  is  very  deplorable,"  replied  Sir  Joseph. 

By  this  time  they  had  passed  in  at  the  gate, 
and  were  walking  towards  the  porch,  when 
Squire  John  espied  Margaret,  andv  remarked: 

"I  don't  blame  them,  though,  Joseph; 
there  is  something  very  lovable  about  your 
daughter." 

"  By  the  way,  you  have  met  my  niece,"  re- 
marked Sir  Joseph,  desiring  to  turn  the  con- 
versation. 

'Your  niece?"  queried  Squire  John;  then 
realizing  whom  he  meant,  he  exclaimed,  "  You 
mean  Miss  Isandlana?  Yes,  I  met  her;  she  is 
a  remarkably  charming  girl." 

'  Very  much  so,"  answered  Sir  Joseph. 

"  It  is  lucky  we  are  not  young  men,  Joseph, 
or  I  fear  swords  would  be  drawn.  Young 
ladies  of  to-day  have  a  desperate  way  of  draw- 
ing one  out." 

"  It's  magnetism,"  remarked  Sir  Joseph. 

"  A  good  name  for  it,"  replied  Squire  John ; 
"  it  seems  to  operate  very  promptly." 

"  She  is  engaged  to  Mr.  Tredinham,"  Sir 
Joseph  remarked. 

"  Bless  my  soul,  already?  They  seem  to  un- 
derstand each  other  nowadays  wonderfully 

299 


OWL    TOWER 

sudden.  It  took  me  over  a  year  to  do  the 
courting,  and  six  months  afterwards  before  the 
wedding  took  place." 

"  I  have  suggested  to  them  that  they  enjoy 
a  few  weeks'  courtship,  as  one  of  the  happiest 
events  of  their  lives,"  said  Sir  Joseph. 

"  Very  proper  indeed,"  replied  Squire  John. 

Having  reached  the  porch,  they  entered  the 
castle,  and  proceeding  to  the  library,  Sir 
Joseph  rang  for  the  butler  and  directed  him 
to  bring  a  bottle  of  port ;  and  the  two  old  gen- 
tlemen cemented  their  friendship  over  their 
wine,  a  friendship  all  the  more  dear  now  that 
the  end  of  life  was  drawing  near. 

The  meeting  having  set  all  scruples  aside, 
Sir  Joseph  next  called  at  the  vicarage. 

On  the  following  Sabbath  the  members  of 
both  families  attended  church,  and  the  villagers 
were  fully  represented. 

Before  leaving  the  reading  desk  the  vicar 
announced  the  withdrawal  of  the  banns  of 
marriage  of  Arthur  Tredinham  and  Margaret 
Trevisick,  and  then  after  allowing  an  interval 
of  a  few  moments  to  elapse,  published  those  of 
Robert  Coleshill  and  Margaret  Trevisick. 

Margaret  blushed  as  she  instinctively  felt 
300 


OWL    TOWER 

the  eyes  of  the  congregation  were  upon  her, 
but  as  the  announcement  was  immediately  fol- 
lowed by  a  hymn,  she  soon  recovered  her 
equanimity. 

The  joy  of  the  villagers  was  unbounded,  as 
was  demonstrated  by  their  assembling  in 
groups  on  their  return  from  the  services. 


801 


CHAPTER   XL 

IT  was  decided  that  Margaret's  marriage 
should  be  consummated  on  Christmas-day ;  and 
to  carry  out  her  particular  wish  in  the  matter  it 
was  arranged  that  it  take  place  on  the  summit 
of  the  old  tower;  not  only  on  account  of  the 
happiness  the  structure  was  instrumental  in 
bringing  about,  but  that  the  two  houses  might 
become  united  on  the  spot  which  had  contrib- 
uted to  the  long  feud  existing  between  them. 

The  banns  had  been  heralded  for  the  third 
time,  and  preparations  for  the  coming  event 
were  evidenced  not  only  in  and  about  the  castle, 
but  also  in  the  village. 

At  no  time  in  their  history  did  the  villagers 
take  such  an  interest  in  decorating  their  homes. 
The  children's  voices  were  heard  from  daylight 
until  dusk,  as  they  merrily  discussed  the  pros- 
pect of  plum-pudding  on  their  way  through 
the  lanes  in  quest  of  holly  sprigs. 

The  grown-up  children  had  already  begun 
to  celebrate,  and  although  it  wanted  one  week 

302 


OWL    TOWER 

to  the  eventful  day,  Widow  Hodge  was  com- 
pelled to  bury  her  reputation  until  after  the 
holidays,  for  as  she  remarked,  "  Christmas 
comes  but  once  a  year,  and  my  husband  that's 
dead  always  gave  the  villagers  a  free  foot  on 
that  occasion,  and  I  will  not  go  behind  him  in 
that,  and  besides  it  is  a  custom  all  over." 

Numerous  invitations  had  been  sent  out  by 
Margaret  and  Sir  Joseph,  and  the  castle  was 
already  showing  the  effects  of  a  congested 
aristocracy,  and  the  old  butler  from  being  a 
mediocre  individual  had  sprung  into  a  creature 
of  importance,  for  everywhere  his  services  were 
in  demand. 

The  halls  and  corners  were  packed  with 
trunks  and  valises,  and  the  bedrooms  had  be- 
come veritable  repositories. 

It  was  well  that  the  butler  was  able  to  revert 
to  such  experiences  in  the  past,  or  he  never 
could  have  succeeded  in  accomplishing  the 
numerous  orders  required  of  him.  First  an 
old  gentleman  with  a  squeaky  voice  requested 
that  a  certain  portmanteau  be  sent  to  his  room, 
and  just  as  the  butler  was  in  the  act  of  direct- 
ing one  of  the  men  servants  to  execute  the 
order,  a  silvery  voice  resounded  through  the 

303 


OWL    TOWER 

hall  followed  by  the  apparition  of  a  beautiful 
girl  who  came  tripping  up  to  him,  exclaiming : 
"Oh!  Butler,  can  you  help  me?  My  maid 
omitted  to  put  buttons  on  a  skirt  I  wish  to  wear. 
Have  you  a  needle  and  thread? " 

"  I  can  do  anything  but  sew  on  buttons, 
Miss,"  the  old  dunce  replied ;  "  but  I  will  send 
Miss  Margaret's  maid  to  you." 

The  most  serious  perplexity  the  old  butler 
encountered,  however,  and  which  well-nigh 
drove  him  to  distraction,  was  when  Sir  Joseph 
announced  to  him  an  important  shooting  en- 
gagement he  had  with  Squire  Coleshill  for  the 
following  day,  and  requested  that  his  shooting 
equipment  be  placed  at  his  disposal  in  com- 
plete readiness. 

What  Sir  Joseph's  shooting  garb  had  been 
was  a  thing  of  the  past,  so  much  so,  that  outside 
of  a  double-barreled  muzzle-loader  which  stood 
in  a  corner  in  close  communication  with  a  fish- 
ing rod,  nothing  had  remained  intact. 

In  his  distress  the  butler  summoned  the 
gamekeeper,  and  ushered  him  into  a  den  ad- 
joining the  library,  in  which  those  precious 
relics  appertaining  to  Sir  Joseph's  sporting 
days  were  stored. 

304 


OWL    TOWER 

"  For  mercy's  sake,  gamekeeper,"  exclaimed 
the  butler,  "  see  what  you  can  find  here  that 
will  make  up  a  shooting  rig.  Needles  and  pins 
are  not  in  it  with  this  demand  of  Sir  Joseph's." 

"  It  must  be  twenty  years  or  more  since  Sir 
Joseph  handled  this  iron,"  said  the  gamekeeper, 
taking  the  gun  from  the  corner  and  putting 
his  fingers  in  the  bores;  "it's  as  rusty  as  an 
old  shovel.  It  will  never  answer  even  if  it  is 
cleaned,  a  kick  from  it  would  be  likely  to 
spoil  his  Christmas.  I  have  a  spare  gun  at 
home,  and  I  will  let  Sir  Joseph  carry  mine; 
if  his  sight  is  good,  it  will  not  miss  the  mark." 

"Well  said,  gamekeeper!  I  will  remember 
you  on  Christmas  eve.  What  else  is  there 
here?  He  will  need  shoes  and  leggings,  I  sup- 
pose?" 

"  Of  course,"  answered  the  gamekeeper,  "  he 
must  be  thoroughly  equipped;  I  can't  disgrace 
myself  by  allowing  him  to  appear  on  the  pre- 
serves otherwise ;  besides,  Squire  Coleshill  is  an 
old  rounder  at  such  things,  and  can  stalk  a  deer 
as  well  as  I  can." 

"  Are  these  good  for  anything? "  asked  the 
butler,  kicking  out  several  dust-covered  shoes 
from  a  corner. 

305 


OWL     TOWER 

"  Is  anything  amiss  with  Sir  Joseph's  feet?  " 
asked  the  gamekeeper;  "  these  are  all  lefts;  no, 
here  is  a  right,  but  it  doesn't  match;  besides, 
they  are  all  so  stiff  it  would  be  impossible  to 
get  them  pliable  in  time.  I  can't  fix  him  in 
shoes." 

"  Bless  me,"  exclaimed  the  butler,  "  it  is  a 
worse  undertaking  to  fix  him  in  shooting  trim 
than  for  a  ball.  What  about  leggings?  " 

"Does  he  wear  cloth  or  leather?"  queried 
the  gamekeeper. 

"  Don't  ask  me,"  ejaculated  the  butler;  "  I 
am  going  to  resign.  I  can't  stand  this  worry." 

"And  a  coat,  and  hat,  and  gloves;  what 
about  those?  He  must  be  equipped  as  a  gen- 
tleman," voiced  the  gamekeeper. 

At  that  moment  Lillian  entered  the  den,  and 
remarked  sweetly:  "  I  know  I  am  intruding, 
but  I  want  to  see  every  room  in  the  old  castle." 

"  I  wish  this  one  was  not  in  it,  Miss,"  ex- 
claimed the  old  butler,  thrusting  his  hand 
through  his  scant  hair ;  "  it  has  caused  me  more 
worry  this  last  hour  than  all  the  rest  of  the 
house  put  together." 

"  What  is  the  trouble,  Butler?  "  asked  Lillian 
sympathetically. 

306 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Sir  Joseph  goes  shooting  with  Squire 
Coleshill  to-morrow,  Miss,  and  he  wants  me  to 
find  his  shooting  rig>  and  that " — pointing  at 
the  gun — "  is  all  there  is  left." 

"  It's  a  very  good  Zulu  outfit,"  answered 
Lillian  with  a  mischievous  smile;  then  quickly 
recollecting  herself,  she  said:  "Mr.  Robert 
Coleshill  has  just  entered  the  library;  I  will  in- 
quire if  he  can  help  you  out  of  your  predica- 
ment." 

The  old  butler  bowed  to  her  and  thanked  her. 

Lillian  knocked  at  the  library  door,  and  en- 
tering, found  Robert  poring  over  a  book. 

"  May  I  interrupt  you  for  a  moment,  Mr. 
Coleshill  ?  You  are  not  likely  to  use  your  khaki 
suit  again ;  will  you  kindly  lend  it  to  me  for  the 
holidays?  " 

"  Certainly,  Miss  Isandlana;  I  will  see  that 
it  is  delivered  to  you." 

"  I  need  it  at  once,"  she  said,  and  placing  a 
pencil  and  paper  before  him,  continued; 
"  Please  write  out  an  order  on  your  butler  for 
it,  and  I  will  send  one  of  the  servants." 

Robert  did  as  he  was  requested,  and  handing 
the  note  to  her,  resumed  his  book. 

Lillian  immediately  returned  to  the  den,  and 
307 


OWL    TOWER 

addressing  the  butler,  said :  "  I  have  arranged 
to  have  a  shooting  equipment  sent  here  for  Sir 
Joseph;  you  need  not  trouble  yourself  further." 

The  butler  again  bowed  his  acknowledg- 
ments and  resumed  the  occupation  he  had 
temporarily  neglected,  of  looking  after  the 
wants  of  the  guests,  rubbing  his  hands  joy- 
fully the  while  and  muttering  to  himself,  "  I 
wish  I  were  a  rich  young  man,  and  I  would  win 
her  or  die  in  the  attempt." 

The  servant  who  was  dispatched  by  Lillian 
with  the  note  was  directed  to  see  that  the  hel- 
met accompanied  the  khaki  suit,  and  in  due 
time  the  equipment  arrived  and  was  deposited 
by  the  butler  in  Sir  Joseph's  dressing-room. 


308 


CHAPTER   XLI 

AFTER  breakfast  the  following  morning  the 
male  guests  occupied  themselves  according  to 
their  own  wills  and  inclinations.  Some  took 
to  the  lawn,  where  they  puffed  their  cigars  and 
discussed  Margaret's  wedding  and  kindred 
topics.  The  ladies  assembled  in  groups  in  the 
hall,  and  while  some  planned  for  walks  and 
drives — the  weather  being  mild  and  the  ground 
free  from  snow — others  were  content  to  re- 
main within  the  castle. 

Sir  Joseph  retired  to  his  dressing-room  to 
prepare  for  his  day's  shooting  with  Squire 
Coleshill,  and  the  latter  gentleman  had  already 
put  in  an  appearance  on  the  lawn,  accompanied 
by  his  gamekeeper,  for  it  was  intended  to  shoot 
over  both  estates. 

Lady  Trevisick  stood  in  the  hall  surrounded 
by  several  of  her  young  guests,  and  was  re- 
marking to  Margaret  that  she  trusted  Sir 
Joseph  would  accustom  himself  to  outdoor 
sports,  for  he  had  not  only  disturbed  her  rest 

309 


OWL    TOWER 

by  talking  in  his  sleep,  but  she  feared  she  was 
covered  with  bruises  from  the  kicks  and  thrusts 
he  had  unconsciously  given  her,  when  Sir 
Joseph  strutted  past  them,  clad  in  a  khaki  suit 
and  with  a  soldier's  helmet  on  his  head. 

Lady  Trevisick  stared  at  him  in  amazement 
for  a  moment  as  he  bade  her  good-by,  and  his 
strange  accouterment  might  have  passed  fur- 
ther unnoticed  had  not  Lillian — who  had  mo- 
mentarily concealed  herself — reappeared  just 
as  the  hall  door  closed  upon  Sir  Joseph's  de- 
parting figure,  and  assuming  a  stage  attitude, 
gave  voice  to  the  following  impromptu 
epigram : 

"  My  love  hath  gone  to  battle 

Against  the  lithesome  Zulu; 
When  bullets  fly  and  rattle, 

Don't  fear,  he  doesn't  mean  you; 
His  aim  is  not  on  common  slaves 

Who  clothe  in  satins,  live  apart; 
But  on  the  dark-skinned  savages, 

Whose  only  dress  is  Nature's  art." 

Lady  Trevisick  had  been  puzzling  herself 
to  account  for  Sir  Joseph's  odd  appearance, 
and  now  that  Lillian  had  made  it  plain  to  her, 

310 


OWL    TOWER 

she  sat  on  the  stairway  in  an  uncontrollable  fit 
of  laughter. 

Margaret's  indignation  only  made  Lady 
Trevisick  laugh  the  more,  for  she  had  a  great 
attachment  for  her  niece,  and  liked  her  all  the 
more  for  the  great  contrast  between  her  reck- 
less disposition  and  the  dignified  bearing  of 
her  daughter. 

'  Your  want  of  dignity  puts  us  all  to  the 
blush,"  Margaret  exclaimed,  looking  daggers 
at  Lillian. 

This  occasioned  a  renewed  burst  of  laughter 
from  Lady  Trevisick. 

"  I  don't  thank  you,  Lillian,  for  making  a 
spectacle  of  my  father." 

Another  and  louder  laugh  greeted  this  re- 
mark. 

"  I  don't  care,  mamma,"  exclaimed  Mar- 
garet, "  it  is  not  a  bit  nice  of  her  to  send  papa 
out  in  the  garb  of  a  soldier." 

"  I  don't  know,  my  dear,  that  it  hurts  Sir 
Joseph,"  said  Lady  Trevisick,  "  and  if,  as  Lil- 
lian says,  '  he  has  gone  to  hunt  the  lithesome 
Zulu,'  he  is  clothed  quite  appropriately.  I  am 
sure  he  looked  quite  charming,  and  I  could 
scarcely  take  my  eyes  off  him." 

311 


OWL    TOWER 

At  this  they  all  laughed  in  chorus,  although 
Margaret  was  not  reconciled. 

"  I  feel  quite  proud  of  Lillian's  effusion  in 
Sir  Joseph's  behalf,"  said  Lady  Trevisick, 
"  particularly  that  part  which  directs  his  aim 
towards  Eastern  Africa,  for  I  have  little  faith 
in  your  father's  markmanship." 

"  It  is  shameful,"  remarked  Margaret,  and 
excusing  herself,  she  walked  away  and  entered 
the  drawing-room.  She  had  not  been  seated 
many  minutes  before  a  pair  of  arms  encircled 
her  lovingly  around  the  neck,  and  a  voice 
whispered :  "  You  are  not  really  angry  at  me, 
Margaret? " 

"  Oh!  you  wicked,  irrepressible "  and  as 

she  hesitated,  Lillian  added,  "  Zulu." 

'  Yes,"  said  Margaret,  "  that  is  just  what 
you  are,"  and  she  arose  and  taking  Lillian  in 
her  arms,  squeezed  her  in  manifestation  of  that 
strange  combination  of  woman's  love  and 
anger  which  ended  in  their  hugging  and  kiss- 
ing each  other  affectionately. 

"  Now  promise  you  will  not  scold  Robert 
about  this,"  said  Lillian;  "he  is  such  a  dear, 
innocent  man,  he  never  dreamed  what  I  in- 
tended doing  with  his  khaki  suit." 

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OWL    TOWER 

"  He  knows  how  wicked  you  are,"  Margaret 
answered,  "  and  he  ought  to  have  reflected.  I 
will  at  least  put  him  on  his  guard  for  the 
future." 

Lillian  joined  the  group  she  had  left,  and 
Margaret  hunted  up  the  butler,  and  com- 
manded him  to  return  the  khaki  suit  whence  it 
came  immediately  Sir  Joseph  had  changed  for 
dinner. 

'  Very  well,  Miss,"  answered  the  butler  bow- 
ing, and  wondering  what  had  befallen. 

Shortly  afterwards  Robert  put  in  an  appear- 
ance, and  after  exchanging  greetings  with 
Lady  Trevisick  and  her  guests,  he  went  to  the 
drawing-room,  where  he  was  shortly  joined  by 
Margaret. 

Going  up  to  him  and  placing  both  hands  on 
his  shoulders,  she  said:  "  Robert,  I  am  going 
to  scold  you." 

"  Scold  me,  Margaret,"  he  replied,  folding 
his  arms  about  her  and  looking  fondly  in  her 
eyes. 

"  You  have  granted  a  request  of  Lillian's, 
enabling  her  to  commit  a  practical  joke  on 
papa,  and  likewise  turn  my  resentment  into 
ridicule." 

313 


OWL     TOWER 

"  I  am  entirely  ignorant,  my  darling,  of 
granting  her  anything,"  Robert  replied,  with 
surprise  depicted  on  his  countenance. 

"  That  results  from  your  love  of  books,  dear; 
but  nevertheless,  you  are  guilty.  Did  she  not 
obtain  your  regimental  suit  with  your  con- 
sent? " 

"  Oh!  dear  me,  yes.  I  supposed  she  wanted 
it  for  some  special  purpose  during  the  Christ- 
mas festivities;  I  never  dreamed  of  her  using 
it  in  a  manner  to  create  unpleasantness." 

"  It  is  too  late  now,  Robert,  to  remedy;  but 
I  am  sure  you  will  be  on  your  guard  in  future." 

"  Has  Sir  Joseph  really  gone  out  arrayed  in 
my  khaki  suit? " 

"  Helmet  and  all,"  Margaret  replied. 

"  I  am  surprised  Lillian  should  have  taken 
such  a  liberty,  although  I  am  aware  she  is  ca- 
pable of  extremes.  It  is  really  too  ridiculous 
to  treat  seriously.  What  will  be  the  outcome, 
do  you  suppose  ?  " 

"  I  have  directed  the  butler  to  return  the 
suit  the  moment  Sir  Joseph  changes  for  din- 
ner," Margaret  answered. 

"  That  is  the  best  way  out  of  it,"  Robert 
commented ;  "  and  I  will  certainly  not  allow 

314 


OWL     TOWER 

myself  to  be  ensnared  by  her  again ; "  then 
drawing  Margaret's  arm  through  his,  they 
walked  slowly  around  the  room  conversing  in 
an  undertone — as  true  lovers  always  will — of 
the  happy  thoughts  and  fancies  which  spring 
from  the  heart's  dictation. 

On  leaving  the  castle  Sir  Joseph  was  greeted 
very  heartily  by  Squire  Coleshill,  although  not 
without  an  indication  of  surprise,  for  his  ap- 
pearance was  somewhat  startling,  to  say  the 
least;  however,  Squire  John  was  too  well  edu- 
cated to  allow  his  thoughts  to  dwell  on  the 
trifling  matter  of  dress,  and  the  two  old  gentle- 
men were  soon  expatiating  on  the  glories  of  a 
sporting  life. 

Notwithstanding  Lady  Trevisick's  assertion 
that  she  had  very  little  faith  in  Sir  Joseph's 
markmanship,  he  succeeded  in  making  some 
difficult  shots,  much  to  the  delight  of  Squire 
John,  who  early  discovered  that  he  was  out  of 
practice;  and  the  result  of  the  day's  shooting 
was  so  satisfactory  that  the  larders  of  both 
houses  were  well  filled. 

On  returning  to  the  castle  Sir  Joseph  was  so 
well  pleased  with  the  success  of  his  prowess, 
and  deeming  it  in  a  measure  attributable  to  his 

315 


OWL    TOWER 

comfortable  outfit,  he  directed  the  butler  to  see 
that  the  suit  was  left  in  his  dressing-room,  for 
his  immediate  accommodation  whenever  he  re- 
quired it. 

When  Margaret,  therefore,  reminded  the 
butler  concerning  the  return  of  the  suit,  she 
was  amazed  to  discover  that  her  father  had  al- 
ready given  such  orders  in  relation  to  it,  there 
was  no  alternative  left  the  butler  but  to  obey 
the  injunction;  and  seeking  Robert,  who  had 
remained  for  dinner,  she  poured  out  her 
lament. 

"  Robert,  I  don't  know  whether  to  laugh  or 
cry ; "  and  she  burst  into  a  hearty  laugh,  plac- 
ing one  hand  on  his  shoulder  and  hiding  her 
face  in  his  bosom.  "  Papa  has  directed  that 
his  new  shooting  suit  be  kept  in  his  dressing- 
room  for  immediate  use  when  the  spirit  moves 
him.  It  is  really  too  ridiculous  for  anything." 

'  Will  it  matter  so  much  to  you,  Margaret, 
if  he  does  wear  it? "  Robert  asked,  taking  her 
in  his  arms. 

"  It  seems  so  absurd  for  papa  to  claim  your 
suit  as  his  own;  besides  I  have  a  fondness 
for  it,  and  might  desire  to  see  you  wear  it 
again." 

316 


OWL    TOWER 

Would  you  like  me  to  wear  it  again,  Mar- 
garet, in  quest  of  a  higher  title? "  he  asked. 

"  Oh!  no,  no !  my  dear  Robert,  how  could  you 
think  that;  "  and  she  bent  her  head  to  hide  the 
deep  blush  the  question  engendered.  At  last, 
lifting  her  face  to  his,  she  said :  "  I  am  glad 
papa  has  got  it,  and  I  trust  he  will  wear  it  out 
so  that  you  will  never  be  tempted  away  from 
me  again." 

"  It  would  be  a  stronger  temptation  than 
man  can  dream  of,  Margaret,  to  take  me  from 
your  side  again." 

"  There  are  many  lovely  girls  about  the 
castle,  Robert,"  she  replied,  "  and  even  I  am 
drawn  to  them  by  some  strong  magnetic  influ- 
ence." 

"  There  is  not  one  so  beautiful  in  my  eyes 
as  you,  my  darling,  and  the  magnetism  that  has 
held  me  a  willing  captive  so  long  grows 
stronger  every  day." 


317 


CHAPTER   XLII 

WHERE  youth  and  beauty  assemble,  the  hours 
speed  happily  by,  and  the  guests  at  the  castle 
had  learned  to  enjoy  themselves  so  thoroughly 
that  the  days  passed  almost  unnoticed  by 
them;  life  indeed  was  one  merry  round  of 
pleasure. 

It  was  the  day  before  Christmas,  and  prep- 
arations for  Margaret's  wedding  were  so  far 
advanced  little  remained  to  be  done,  although 
there  was  naturally  a  great  deal  of  confusion 
and  fluttering  of  gauzy  garments  as  the  young 
ladies  visited  each  other's  apartments  to  discuss 
the  important  matter  of  dress.  Their  merry 
voices  resounded  throughout  the  old  castle,  and 
awakened  many  an  echo  that  had  long  lain 
dormant. 

One  only  among  the  guests  was  less  jubilant 
than  was  her  wont  to  be.  She  had  received  a 
telegram  that  morning,  and  retired  to  her  bed- 
room in  a  suspicious  manner.  If  the  walls  of 
her  room  had  been  transparent  she  could  have 

318 


OWL    TOWER 

been  seen  with  the  open  telegram  in  one  hand 
and  the  other  pressed  to  her  temples  as  though 
some  ill  news  troubled  her.  At  times  she  would 
go  to  a  mirror  and  contemplate  her  reflection, 
more  with  the  object,  apparently,  of  assisting 
her  thoughts  than  to  satisfy  her  vanity.  At 
last  she  tossed  the  telegram  on  her  bed  and  sat 
down,  folding  her  hands  in  her  lap  and  fix- 
ing her  gaze  upon  the  carpet. 

She  had  not  remained  in  this  attitude  many 
minutes  before  a  gentle  tap  came  to  her  door, 
and  as  she  arose  to  open  it,  she  took  the  tele- 
gram and  thrust  it  in  her  bosom. 

On  opening  the  door  Lady  Trevisick  stood 
for  a  moment  on  the  threshold,  then  entering, 
closed  the  door  after  her,  and  in  a  subdued 
voice  said: 

"  I  have  come  to  satisfy  my  curiosity,  Lil- 
lian; or  do  you  desire  to  keep  it  a  secret  from 
me?" 

"  No,  dear  aunt,"  exclaimed  Lillian,  clasp- 
ing her  affectionately;  "  I  have  no  secret  what- 
ever, and  I  don't  believe  I  could  keep  one  if  I 
had,  unless  it  was  something  too  dreadful  to 
reveal.  I  have  simply  excelled  myself,  that's 
all,  and  having  done  it,  the  surprise  at  my  suc- 

319 


OWL     TOWER 

cess  so  astounds  me  I  am  in  a  quandary  what 
to  do." 

'What  is  it,  dear?"  asked  Lady  Trevisick 
in  a  soothing  voice. 

Lillian's  eyelashes  drooped  as  she  said: 
"  Before  leaving  Natal  with  Mr.  Coleshill  I 
sent  back  word  to  King  Cetewayo  by  his  war- 
riors who  escorted  us,  inviting  him  to  visit  Eng- 
land to  be  present  at  my  wedding,  not  know- 
ing, of  course,  that  I  was  likely  to  be  married, 
and  never  dreaming  that  Cetewayo  would 
come,  although  I  was  careful  to  send  him  a 
bill-of -lading,  giving  full  directions  for  his 
conveyance." 

"A  bill-of -lading?"  queried  Lady  Tre- 
visick. 

"  A  sort  of  shipping  tag,"  answered  Lillian, 
"  so  the  transportation  companies  could  dis- 
cover his  destination  without  an  interpreter." 

"  Mercy,  child!  You  do  such  strange  things. 
And  has  Cetewayo  undertaken  the  journey? " 

Lillian  withdrew  the  telegram  from  its  hid- 
ing place,  replying:  '  This  telegram  is  from 

Plymouth  Docks,  stating  that Oh !  please 

read  it  aunt,  dear,  I  am  so  mortified." 

Lady  Trevisick  took  the  telegram  and  read 

320 


OWL    TOWER 

aloud:  "Miss  Lillipopo  Isandlana:  Your 
nigger  has  been  forwarded  by  rail." 

Lady  Trevisick  looked  at  Lillian — who  stood 
with  downcast  eyes,  fumbling  her  bracelets — 
and  then  back  at  the  telegram,  and  seemed  to 
be  undecided;  finally  she  exclaimed:  "It  is 
too  dreadful  to  contemplate.  Let  us  be  seated, 
so  we  can  discuss  the  matter  more  fully." 

Lillian  took  a  seat  beside  her  aunt  and 
looked  the  very  picture  of  despair. 

"  Cetewayo  being  a  Zulu,  is  a  cannibal,  of 
course?  "  queried  Lady  Trevisick. 

"  No,  indeed,  aunt." 

"  He  is  a  savage,  at  all  events? " 

"  He  is  not  a  barbarian." 

"  He  is  black? " 

"  Somewhat  sombre,  I'll  admit." 

"  He  is  ugly? " 

"  He  is  not  pretty." 

"  He  is  uneducated?  " 

"  I  taught  him  a  few  English  words." 

"  His  dress  is  not  comme  il  faut?  " 

"  I  directed  him  to  wear  a  silk  hat." 

"  That  will  not  cover  his  body,  you  goose," 
said  Lady  Trevisick,  laughing  in  spite  of  her 
evident  perplexity. 

321 


OWL     TOWER 

"  I  directed  him  to  call  upon  an  English 
tailor  at  Delagoa  to  become  fitted  out  in  a 
dress  suit  complete." 

;'  That  may  mitigate  matters  if  he  adopts  it, 
but  it  is  altogether  too  important  a  matter,  my 
dear,  for  me  to  decide.  Personally  I  don't 
fear  Cetewayo ;  in  fact,  I  have  a  great  desire  to 
see  what  a  Zulu  king  looks  like,  particularly 
this  one,  who  has  been  so  interested  in  your 
affairs;  but  I  cannot  overlook  the  proprieties, 
nor  the  moral  protection  due  to  our  guests; 
therefore  I  must  refer  you  to  Sir  Joseph  for 
his  consent  to  Cetewayo's  presence  here." 

'  You  do  not  object,  provided  I  obtain  Sir 
Joseph's  sanction? " 

"  Not  in  the  least,"  answered  Lady  Tre- 
visick  as  she  swept  out  of  the  room. 

If  the  walls  had  been  transparent,  an  inquisi- 
tive onlooker  would  have  witnessed  an  action 
on  the  part  of  Lillian  very  derogatory  to  that 
estimable  young  lady's  customary  deportment, 
and  tending  greatly  to  reduce  man's  faith  in 
the  dignity  of  ladies  in  general ;  for  Lady  Tre- 
visick  had  no  sooner  left  the  room  than  Lilli- 
popo  went  straight  to  a  mirror,  and  putting  a 
finger  of  each  dainty  hand  in  the  corners  of  her 

322 


OWL    TOWER 

pretty  mouth,  drew  it  out  to  very  unseemly 
proportions,  at  the  same  time  flattening  her 
nose  so  that  no  semblance  of  its  original  shape 
remained. 

Having  glared  at  this  horrible  contortion  of 
her  countenance  to  her  satisfaction,  she  re- 
sumed her  usual  graceful  demeanor,  exclaim- 
ing :  '  You  dreadful  creature,  why  do  you 
come  to  shame  me  before  all  this  elite  as- 
sembly? " 

Her  next  step  was  to  find  Sir  Joseph,  and 
as  it  was  his  usual  hour  for  study,  she  had  no 
difficulty  in  tracing  him  to  the  library. 

Going  up  to  Sir  Joseph,  she  stepped  quickly 
behind  his  chair  and  threw  her  arms  about  his 
neck.  The  action  forced  back  the  lace  from 
her  sleeves  and  exposed  her  bare  arms,  and  Sir 
Joseph  no  sooner  felt  her  glowing  flesh  than 
he  threw  up  his  hand  to  shield  his  face,  ex- 
claiming : 

"  Don't  you  bite  me,  you  savage!  " 

"  No,  uncle  dear,  I  don't  intend  being  rude 
at  this  time.  I  am  sorely  perplexed,  and  I  will 
not  take  my  arms  from  your  neck  until  you 
have  granted  my  petition." 

"Forty    devils!"   ejaculated    Sir  Joseph. 

323 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Hurry,  girl,  hurry!  it  is  too  serious  a  position 
to  be  found  in,  I — I — I " 

"  I  have  locked  the  door,  uncle  dear." 

;<  That's  still  worse ;  unlock  it  for  heaven's 
sake  before  we  are  discovered,"  and  Sir  Joseph 
struggled  frantically  to  escape,  but  Lillian 
clung  to  him. 

"  Merciful  father !  you  are  cho — choking 
me,"  he  gasped. 

"  Will  you,  uncle  dear? " 

"  D — n  it,  girl,  can't  you  realize  this  thing 
means  a  divorce;  and  what  will  John,  Squire 
John,  think  of  me?  " 

At  that  moment  a  loud  knock  was  heard  at 
the  library  door. 

Lillian  withdrew  her  arms  from  Sir  Joseph's 
neck  and  with  the  agility  of  a  deer  ran  to  the 
door  and  unlocked  it,  admitting  Lady  Tre- 
visick. 

"  I  am  innocent! "  shouted  Sir  Joseph,  tak- 
ing the  book  he  had  been  reading  and  in  his 
excitement  throwing  it  so  it  whizzed  past  his 
wife's  head;  he  then  paced  up  and  down  the 
room  like  a  maniac. 

"Are  you  demented?"  asked  Lady  Tre- 
visick,  looking  keenly  at  her  husband.  Then 

324 


OWL    TOWER 

turning  to  Lillian,  she  asked :  "  What  is  the 
meaning  of  this  unseemly  conduct  on  the  part 
of  Sir  Joseph?" 

"  It's  Cetewayo,  dear  aunt,"  answered 
Lillian. 

"I  am  innocent!"  again  shouted  Sir 
Joseph. 

"  Hush !  you  will  alarm  the  guests,"  said 
Lady  Trevisick.  "  Have  you  made  known 
your  request,  Lillian? " 

"  I  was  about  to  do  so  when  you  knocked  at 
the  door." 

«  I  am " 

"  Cease  your  absurd  talk,  Joseph ;  do  you 
imagine  for  one  moment  Lillian  wants  to  run 
away  with  you?  Listen  to  what  she  has  to 
communicate." 

Sir  Joseph  ran  his  hand  through  his  hair  and 
glared  upon  his  wife  and  Lillian  alternately; 
and  finally  it  dawned  upon  his  overwrought 
senses  that  he  had  made  a  spectacle  of  himself. 

"  What  did  you  do  to  him,  Lillian? "  asked 
Lady  Trevisick. 

"  I  began  by  making  love  to  him,  of  course, 
dear  aunt,  before  I  put  the  question  to  him; 
and  as  it  was  such  a  serious  matter,  I  hugged 

325 


OWL     TOWER 

him  a  trifle  longer  to  make  sure  of  his  consent. 
I  locked  the  door  for  fear  he  would  evade  an 
answer." 

'  There  is  no  fear  of  anybody  evading  you, 
Lillian,  but  make  known  your  request,  or  Cete- 
wayo  will  be  upon  us." 

Thereupon  Lillian  explained  to  Sir  Joseph 
in  a  few  words  that  King  Cetewayo  was  about 
to  appear  at  the  castle. 

"  Am  I  dreaming? "  exclaimed  Sir  Joseph, 
"  or  has  everybody  about  me  gone  stark  mad? 
King  Cetewayo — a  savage  of  cannibalistic 
propensities — a  creature  without  a  language — 
who  lives  like  a  pig  in  a  stye — who  has  cross- 
bones  piercing  his  nose — and  rings  on  his 
ankles  and  wrists  as  a  compromise  for  the  dress 
of  civilization — who  squats  on  the  ground  like 
Solomon,  and  gloats  over  his  greasy  food,  and 
his  thousand  wives.  It  is  presumptuous,  it 
is  preposterous,  I  would  not  allow  his  pres- 
ence here  for  a  moment !  " 

And  Sir  Joseph  again  ran  his  ringers 
through  his  hair  and  glared  at  his  wife  and 
Lillian. 

The  latter  stood  with  downcast  eyes,  and  Sir 
Joseph  felt  a  struggle  in  his  breast  as  he  gazed 

326 


OWL    TOWER 

upon  the  beautiful,  emotional  girl  whose  young 
life  had  been  spent  without  a  mother's  care  or 
father's  guiding  hand. 

"  Now,  Joseph,"  said  Lady  Trevisick,  "  let 
me  say  a  few  words  in  Cetewayo's  behalf.  Lil- 
lian has  taught  him  a  few  words  of  English, 
and  directed  him  to  appear  in  dress  suit.  It  is 
possible  you  possess  exaggerated  ideas  con- 
cerning his  savage  condition." 

"  If  he  is  going  to  appear  clothed  as  a  civil- 
ized being,  that  mitigates  the  matter,"  replied 
Sir  Joseph,  "  but  on  no  other  condition  must 
he  be  permitted  to  enter  the  precincts  of  the 
castle.  Furthermore,  I  must  insist  upon  a 
guard  accompanying  him  at  all  times,  and 
weapons  must  not  be  allowed  on  his  person." 

"  And  may  he  come  here  if  he  conforms  to 
those  conditions? "  inquired  Lillian. 

"  I  may  as  well  be  gracious  towards  you,  see- 
ing it  is  Christmas  time,"  Sir  Joseph  replied 
with  an  attempt  at  gruffness. 

"  Oh !  you  are  always  such  a  dear,  good 
uncle  to  me,"  and  Lillian  threw  herself  on  his 
bosom  and  kissed  him  first  on  one  cheek  and 
then  on  the  other. 

"  After  that,  Sir  Joseph,"  exclaimed  Lady 

327 


OWL    TOWER 

Trevisick,  "  I  trust  you  will  not  be  proclaiming 
your  innocence  so  that  everybody  will  hear  you 
and  wonder  at  you,  for  nobody  seeing  this  out- 
burst of  affection  will  put  any  confidence  in 

you." 

Sir  Joseph  looked  very  sheepish  for  a 
moment,  then  seizing  his  wife  in  his  arms,  held 
her  a  close  prisoner  until  she  was  compelled  to 
retract  her  words  in  order  to  be  released  from 
his  embrace. 


828 


CHAPTER  XLIII 

THE  news  spread  rapidly  among  the  guests 
that  a  foreign  potentate  was  about  to  pay  a 
visit  to  Lillian,  and  matters  which  had  en- 
grossed their  earnest  attention  during  the  fore- 
noon were  at  once  neglected  so  they  might  catch 
a  glimpse  of  royalty;  and  to  further  this  end, 
they  arranged  themselves  in  groups  at  the 
windows  facing  the  driveway. 

Lillian,  accompanied  by  Arthur  Tredinham, 
was  driven  to  the  railway  station  in  a  brougham 
so  as  to  meet  Cetewayo  upon  arrival. 

No  civilized  greeting  was  half  so  generous 
as  that  bestowed  by  Cetewayo  on  Lillian.  On 
stepping  from  the  train  his  piercing  eyes  dis- 
covered her  in  an  instant,  and  rushing  towards 
her— his  "  bill-of -lading  "  still  dangling  from 
his  neck,  as  a  precious  amulet  in  his  eyes — he 
fell  on  his  knees  and  taking  both  her  hands, 
kissed  them  and  then  pressed  them  to  his 
heart,  looking  in  her  face  the  while  and 
muttering: 

329 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Dum  lum,  Lillipopo  gone,  Cetewayo  sick ; 
Lum  dum,  Lillipopo  come,  Cetewayo  well." 

Lillian  and  Arthur  escorted  him  to  the  car- 
riage, and  entered  after  him. 

When  they  arrived  at  the  castle  Sir  Joseph 
— who  after  his  adventure  with  Lady  Tre- 
visick  had  recovered  his  usual  happy  frame  of 
mind — stood  at  the  porch  entrance  to  receive 
them. 

As  soon  as  Cetewayo  descended  from  the 
carriage — which  he  did  with  considerable  diffi- 
culty, and  backwards,  to  the  great  amusement 
of  the  onlookers  at  the  windows — Lillian  ad- 
dressed him  in  Zulu,  and  immediately  he  placed 
both  hands  on  Sir  Joseph's  shoulders  and  gave 
him  a  kind  of  Comanche  greeting  by  rubbing 
his  nose  on  that  of  Sir  Joseph,  much  to  the 
latter's  embarrassment. 

Lillian  stood  beside  Cetewayo,  and  her  face 
turned  crimson  as  she  detected  the  numerous 
faces  peering  from  the  windows.  Cetewayo, 
on  the  other  hand,  was  too  much  interested  in 
gazing  at  the  outlines  of  the  castle  to  discover 
he  was  the  observed  of  all  observers;  and  as 
he  stood  attired  in  immaculate  linen,  dress  suit, 
silk  hat,  gloves,  and  polished  shoes,  his  per- 

330 


OWL    TOWER 

sonal  appearance  was  not  to  be  despised,  not- 
withstanding his  facial  expression  was  some- 
what overdone — as  one  romping  young  lady 
described  it — by  comparison  with  civilized 
folk. 

Having  satisfied  his  curiosity  as  to  the  out- 
ward delineation  of  the  castle,  Cetewayo  placed 
his  hand  in  that  of  Lillian,  and  together  they 
entered,  followed  by  Sir  Joseph. 

This  proceeding  was  a  signal  for  all  the 
guests  to  quit  their  watching  places,  and  away 
they  went  scampering  like  a  flock  of  sheep, 
following  Lady  Trevisick,  who  was  their 
leader,  and  who  was  likewise  guilty  of  the  im- 
propriety of  gazing  from  the  windows. 

The  ladies  assembled  in  a  spacious  room  on 
the  second  floor  used  as  a  sort  of  art  gallery, 
and  there  they  secured  themselves  against  in- 
vasion by  bolting  the  door  and  barricading  it 
with  chairs. 

"  I  could  never  stand  to  have  my  nose  rubbed 
in  that  manner,"  exclaimed  one  blue-eyed 
beauty,  whose  very  lips  as  she  spoke  would 
provoke  a  saint  into  committing  treasonable 
acts. 

"  I  wonder  if  it  comes  off  in  the  rubbing? " 

331 


OWL    TOWER 

suggested  another;  "if  it  does,  it  will  never 
do  to  allow  him  to  come  near  us  when  arrayed 
in  white." 

Many  expression  of  "  Ugh  "  greeted  this  re- 
mark, and  many  beautiful  forms  shuddered  at 
the  thought. 

Finally  Lady  Trevisick  awakened  to  the 
situation,  and  summoning  the  butler,  directed 
him  to  send  Lillian  to  her  at  once. 

Lillian  left  Cetewayo  in  company  with  Sir 
Joseph  and  entered  the  room.  The  assembly, 
excepting  Lady  Trevisick,  stared  at  her  as 
though  she  were  superhuman,  and  Lillian  not 
only  felt  their  gaze,  but  was  extremely 
agitated,  fearing  that  some  of  the  guests — 
whose  birthright  bequeathed  to  them  the  claims 
of  lofty  distinction — might  choose  to  demur  at 
Cetewayo's  presence. 

"  Lillian,  my  dear,"  said  Lady  Trevisick,  "  I 
desire  to  end  at  once  the  fears  and  suspense  of 
our  guests  concerning  King  Cetewayo,  and  in 
order  to  do  so,  I  will  escort  them  to  the  draw- 
ing-room. We  will  arrange  ourselves  so  you 
can  enter  with  Cetewayo,  and  introduce  him  to 
us  in  a  bunch;  there  must  be  no  rubbing  of 
noses,  no  hand-shaking.  You  must  explain  to 

332 


OWL    TOWER 

him  beforehand  how  to  perform  the  customary 
observance,  a  simple  bow  is  all  that  is  necessary 
under  the  extraordinary  conditions." 

Lillian's  old-time  vivacity  immediately  re- 
turned to  her,  as  indicated  by  the  heightened 
color  which  flew  to  her  cheeks  and  the  smile 
which  dimpled  them.  She  answered  not  a 
word,  but  giving  a  graceful  courtesy,  retired 
to  perform  her  errand. 

Lady  Trevisick  immediately  escorted  her 
young  guests  to  the  drawing-room,  and  they 
arranged  themselves  in  a  semi-circle  facing 
the  door,  and  as  they  stood  their  eyes  spar- 
kled in  expectancy,  not  a  jot  less  than  the 
gems  concealed  in  the  folds  of  their  snowy 
robes. 

Lillian  took  Cetewayo  by  the  hand  and  led 
him  through  the  spacious  hall,  followed  by  Sir 
Joseph,  who  had  an  exalted  idea  that  he  was 
acting  as  protector  of  some  sort  for  somebody, 
but  whether  to  Cetewayo,  or  his  guests,  he 
could  not  have  answered  on  his  life. 

Advancing  into  the  room,  Lillian — still  hold- 
ing Cetewayo  by  the  hand — addressed  him  in 
Zulu,  at  the  same  time  making  a  deep  courtesy 
to  the  assembly,  and  saying:  "I  have  the 

833 


OWL    TOWER 

honor,  ladies,  of  introducing  King  Cetewayo 
of  Zululand." 

Cetewayo — either  not  learning  his  lesson 
well,  or  dazzled  by  the  presence  of  so  much 
beauty  and  splendour — withdrew  his  hand 
from  Lillian,  and  making  a  dash,  prostrated 
himself  on  his  hands  and  knees  with  such  pre- 
cipitancy, that  he  bounded  like  a  ball  into  their 
midst. 

The  ladies  instantly  screamed  in  unison,  and 
stooping  low,  pressed  their  hands  against  their 
skirts  in  excess  of  fright.  "  Take  him  away, 
Lillian!"  several  screamed  in  chorus.  'The 
brute!  "  screamed  another. 

Sir  Joseph  rushed  forward  and  in  his  zeal 
seized  the  docile  and  obeisant  king  by  the  col- 
lar, and  straddled  his  back,  must  to  the  merri- 
ment of  Lady  Trevisick,  who  went  into  hyster- 
ical fits  of  laughter,  and  finally  rushed  from 
the  room  followed  by  her  guests,  who  went  pell 
mell  upstairs  into  the  room  they  had  recently 
vacated,  and  there  gave  vent  to  their  feelings 
by  a  laughing  extravaganza,  accompanied  by 
motions  and  embraces  in  their  efforts  to  control 
their  effusions,  which  no  pantomime  ever 
equaled. 

334 


OWL    TOWER 

"I  wonder — ha! — ha! — ha! — if  Sir  Joseph 
— ha ! — ha ! — ha ! — is  en j  oying  his — ha ! — ha ! 
ha! — ride?"  interjected  Lady  Trevisick. 

"  I  trust  he  will  not  direct  his  charger's  head 
this  way,"  exclaimed  the  beauty  with  the  blue 
eyes;  and  again  the  echoes  rang  with  merry 
peals  of  laughter. 

"  Now,  girls,"  said  Lady  Trevisick,  "  this  is 
too  shameful  for  anything,  although  of  course 
neither  of  us  could  help  it.  Who  could  have 
anticipated  that  Sir  Joseph  would  have  made 
himself  so  ridiculous.  The  poor  king  cer- 
tainly couldn't  stand  up  with  him  on  his  back, 
and  I  have  no  doubt  he  would  have  arisen  more 
gracefully  than  he  fell.  The  best  way  out  of 
it  is  for  you  to  imagine  the  introduction  com- 
plete— although  of  course  it  was  not  half  done 
—and  to  satisfy  Cetewayo — if  he  is  at  all 
chagrined — I  will  get  Lillian  to  introduce  him 
to  me." 

Thereupon  Lady  Trevisick  again  descended 
to  the  drawing-room,  and  discovered  Cetewayo 
seated  in  an  arm-chair  intently  watching  Lil- 
lian and  Sir  Joseph  as  they  paraded  up  and 
down  discussing  plans  for  his  accommodation. 

"Please  introduce  King  Cetewayo  to  me, 

335 


OWL     TOWER 

Lillian,"  said  Lady  Trevisick,  "  so  that  there 
need  be  no  further  ceremony." 

Lillian  went  to  Cetewayo,  and  after  address- 
ing him,  led  him  to  her  aunt,  and  Cetewayo  this 
time  acted  his  part  well;  he  fell  on  one  knee, 
and  taking  Lady  Trevisick's  hand,  kissed  it  and 
arose. 

Lillian  then  took  hold  of  the  card  which 
hung  from  Cetewayo's  neck  for  the  purpose  of 
removing  it,  but  Cetewayo  stayed  her  hand 
and  shook  his  head,  repeating  vehemently, 
"  No !  No !  "  At  last  after  considerable  argu- 
ment she  pointed  to  the  pictures  on  the  wall, 
and  Cetewayo  seemed  satisfied  to  allow  his 
amulet — for  such  he  considered  it — to  be  sus- 
pended thereon.  It  read:  "Prince  Lum- 
wayo,  passenger  from  Delagoa  en  route  to 
England  via  Red  Sea  route  to  Suez;  thence 
by  Mediterranean  boat  to  Gibraltar ;  thence  by 
steamer  to  Plymouth;  thence  to  be  forwarded 
by  rail  to  Miss  Lillipopo  Isandlana,  care  of  Sir 
Joseph  Trevisick,  of  Trevisick,  Cornwall." 

It  is  no  wonder  that  Cetewayo,  unused  to  the 
ways  of  civilization,  and  whose  limited  jour- 
neys had  theretofore  been  executed  with  con- 
siderable commotion  among  his  warriors, 

336 


OWL    TOWER 

should  attach  mystical  properties  to  the  card 
which  enabled  him  to  proceed  to  the  nethermost 
part  of  the  earth  at  a  glance  thereat  from  those 
in  charge  of  him;  and  as  a  result  Lillian  had 
risen  to  be  the  great  Fe-fo-fi-fum  in  his  eyes. 

It  had  been  arranged  to  give  Cetewayo  an 
isolated  room  on  the  third  floor,  but  when  it 
was  discovered  that  he  crawled  up  the  stairway 
on  his  hands  and  knees,  and  descended  in  like 
manner,  to  the  infinite  amusement  of  the 
guests,  who  were  on  the  lookout  for  surprises, 
a  room  on  the  ground  floor  which  opened  unto 
the  lawn  was  consigned  to  him. 

At  the  dinner  table  he  sat  between  Lillian 
and  Arthur  Tredinham,  and  having  been 
prompted  by  Lillian,  he  watched  the  actions  of 
those  about  him,  and  succeeded  in  using  his 
fork  with  considerable  dexterity  in  conveying 
his  food  to  his  mouth ;  so  much  so  that  the  blue- 
eyed  beauty — who  reveled  in  mischief- 
whispered  to  Lady  Trevisick  after  the  dinner 
was  ended  that  he  made  only  one  mistake,  and 
that  was  through  Mr.  Robert  Coleshill  passing 
him  a  whole  partridge,  which  of  course  the  poor 
man  was  unable  to  swallow. 


SS7 


CHAPTER   XLIV 

THE  revelries  of  the  villagers  had  ceased;  the 
inmates  of  the  castle  had  retired  for  the  night 
to  dream  over  the  events  of  the  coming  day; 
and  as  the  village  clock  chimed  the  midnight 
hour,  a  sweet  peace  prevailed  as  a  fitting  tribute 
to  the  advent  of  that  day  of  days  on  which 
peace  and  good-will  towards  men  was  pro- 
claimed in  ages  past. 

Margaret  had  left  the  drawing-room  early 
on  Christmas  Eve,  and  bidding  Robert  an  af- 
fectionate good-night,  retired  to  her  room. 
She  lay  for  some  time  listening  to  the  merry 
laughter  of  the  guests  which  reverberated 
throughout  the  old  castle;  then  the  past  years 
of  her  life  from  early  childhood  flitted  before 
her  vision,  and  in  them  all  there  had  been  but 
one  cause  for  prolonged  sorrow,  and  that  was 
the  absence  of  her  lover,  and  even  that  oc- 
casioned a  charm  for  her  in  the  increased  happi- 
ness it  brought*  now  he  was  so  near  and  dear 
to  her. 


OWL    TOWER 

At  last  she  fell  asleep  and  dreamt  a  dream 
in  which  she  was  attracted  by  angelic  strains 
of  music  to  a  marble  edifice,  whose  immensity 
extended  from  the  rising  sun  to  the  realm  of 
departing  day.  The  foundation  of  the  mirage 
was  lost  in  a  wave  of  sky,  and  breathed  like  a 
thing  of  life,  as  it  rose  and  fell  with  the  bil- 
lowy motions  of.  the  atmosphere.  Myriads  of 
golden  minarets  blazoned  in  the  sunshine. 

The  music  drew  her  on  towards  the  en- 
chanted spot  until  she  reached  a  golden  gate 
which  opposed  her  progress;  and  as  she  was 
drawn  irresistibly  against  it  she  felt  the  bars 
pressing  against  her  bosom. 

Before  her  vision,  extending  far  into  the 
eternity  of  space,  the  minarets  glistened  and 
twinkled  like  stars  in  the  firmament  of  heaven ; 
the  domes  on  which  they  rested  peered  above 
the  clouds  like  mountain  tops  from  out  the 
mist. 

Suddenly  the  music  ceased,  and  a  voice  from 
out  the  clouds  exclaimed:  "Death  alone  re- 
veals the  glories  of  the  Eternal  City." 

Then  darkness  blotted  out  the  vision,  and  as 
her  spirit  soared  before,  so  now  it  fell  until  the 
light  of  earth  was  again  revealed  to  her. 

339 


OWL    TOWER 

Her  dream  in  its  fanciful  flight  transported 
her  into  a  strange  land  beside  a  turbulent 
stream;  she  heard  the  water  lapping  on  its 
banks  as  the  miniature  waves  rippled  among 
their  sedgy  barrier. 

Suddenly  her  lover  appeared  on  the  scene, 
walking  in  thoughtful  mood,  and  behind  him 
lurked  a  savage  with  spear  in  his  hand;  the 
latter  was  in  turn  replaced  by  a  beautiful 
maiden,  who  joined  her  lover  and  placed  her 
arms  about  his  neck  and  seemed  to  plead  with 
him. 

Margaret  strove  to  reach  them,  but  an  in- 
visible force  held  her  back,  and  at  last  in  her 
agony  she  screamed,  "  Lillian!  "  and  awoke. 

"  Oh!  "  came  the  startled  response. 

For  a  moment  Margaret  lay  with  palpitat- 
ing heart  as  she  realized  that  a  white-robed 
figure  stood  beside  her  bed;  but  she  quickly  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Who  are  you?  " 

"  I  am  Lillian.  How  you  frightened  me;  I 
had  no  idea  you  were  awake." 

"  I  was  not  until  this  moment,"  Margaret 
replied.  "  I  think  you  might  be  generous 
enough  to  inquire  if  you  frightened  me,  for  my 

340 


OWL    TOWER 

heart  is  almost  at  a  standstill  at  your  appari- 
tion." 

"Am  I  such  a  bug-a-boo,  dear?  And  yet 
you  called  my  name  as  though  you  were  in 
distress." 

"  I  was  dreaming.     Why  came  you  here?  " 

"  I  was  unable  to  sleep,"  Lillian  replied, 
"  and  hoping  to  find  you  also  awake  so  I  could 
converse  with  you  for  a  while,  I  tried  your 
door,  and  finding  it  unlocked — a  very  careless 
proceeding  with  a  Zulu  savage  about — I  took 
the  liberty  of  entering." 

Margaret  was  silent. 

"  I  really  think  you  have  grown  to  dislike 
me,  Margaret ;  tell  me  now,  so  you  may  not  see 
my  grief." 

"  How  can  you  talk  so,  Lillian?  I  love  you 
entirely  too  well,  seeing  you  appreciate  it  so 
highly." 

Lillian's  reply  was  given  in  the  shape  of  an 
embrace  which  she  bestowed  on  Margaret  by 
bending  over  her  as  she  lay,  accompanying  it 
by  a  whisper:  "May  I  remain  with  you  to- 
night? " 

"Yes,  if  you  promise  to  be  particularly 
good." 

341 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Well,  just  imagine  I  am  Robert,"  Lillian 
exclaimed  laughingly,  "  then  I  can't  be  other- 
wise than  good." 

"  You  are  simply  incorrigible,"  exclaimed 
Margaret ;  "  will  you  be  serious  for  once  and 
answer  me  truly? " 

'  Yes,  dear,  I  want  to  be  nice  to  you,  now  I 
am  going  to  lose  you  forever." 

'  What  nonsense.     I  am  not  going  away." 

"  Ah !  but  you  are,  dear.  You  will  be  Mar- 
garet Trevisick  no  longer,  and  my  dear,  dear 
schoolmate  will  merge  from  the  beautiful 
maiden  into  the  stately  wife,  and  from  that 
into  the  fond  mother,  and  so  on  by  degrees 
until  a  great,  great-grandmother  appears  on 
the  scene;  and  poor  me  will  be  forgotten  long 
before  then." 

"  All  those  conditions  may  be  realized,  Lil- 
lian, but  there  is  no  occasion  for  forgetting  our 
youthful  friends.  I  have  been  dreaming 
about  you." 

"  I  was  doing  something  wicked  of  course, 
and  that  is  why  you  called  my  name  so  loudly, 
is  it  not?" 

"  Did  you  ever  make  love  to  Robert,  on  the 
banks  of  a  river  in  Zululand  or  elsewhere? " 

342 


OWL    TOWER 

asked  Margaret,  ignoring  a  reply  to  Lillian's 
question. 

"  Is  that  the  purport  of  your  dream? " 

"  Yes." 

"  I  intended  keeping  it  a  secret  from  you, 
dear.  I  have  no  need  to  remind  you  how 
determined  and  self-willed  I  have  always  been, 
for  you  have  experienced  it.  I  can't  help  it; 
it  is  a  part  of  my  nature.  You  may  remember 
how  I  said  at  school — although  I  had  no  idea 
at  the  time  I  would  ever  attempt  such  a  dread- 
ful thing — that  I  would  steal  the  first  man  I 
fell  in  love  with?  " 

Margaret  was  deep  in  thought  and  did  not 
reply. 

"  You  do  not  answer  me,  Margaret." 

"  Yes,  please  go  on,  I  remember." 

"  Well,  Cetewayo  put  it  in  my  power  to  ac- 
complish it;  and  I  am  so  ashamed  even  now, 
when  I  recall  it,  that  I  am  blushing  in  the  dark. 
Cetewayo  had  held  Mr.  Coleshill  prisoner,  in- 
tending him  for  my  husband;  and  when  he  was 
introduced  to  me  my  heart  in  its  lonesomeness 
went  out  to  him  in  his  captivity;  not  with  a 
wanton  love,  but  with  a  heart  that  yearned  for 
love  and  protection.  It  was  in  this  unguarded 

343 


OWL    TOWER 

moment  that  I  forgot  the  modesty  of  woman- 
hood and  tried  to  win  him." 

"  And  what  did  Robert  do  and  say? "  Mar- 
garet eagerly  inquired. 

"  He  gave  me  such  a  wholesome  and  gentle- 
manly turn-down,  and  my  vanity  suffered  so 
very  badly,  I  left  him  with  the  intention  of 
either  compelling  him  to  marry  me  or  remain 
captive;  in  fact  I  gave  him  that  alternative, 
for  I  was  very  angry  at  his  refusal.  Im- 
mediately afterwards  my  heart  went  out  to 
him,  and  I  decided  to  free  him,  although  I 
loved  him  so  much  I  couldn't  do  that  with- 
out first  making  him  feel  very  unhappy. 
Later,  when  he  explained  he  had  a  sweet- 
heart at  home,  and  that  you  were  the 
adored  one,  I  realized  how  unladylike  I  had 
been,  and  I  suffered  such  remorse  I  hastened 
his  restoration  to  you.  And  now  I  have  told 
you,  dear,  I  must  also  let  you  know  that  I  still 
love  your  Robert;  why  I  can  hardly  say,  un- 
less it  is  that  instead  of  treating  me  with  con- 
tempt, as  I  deserved  to  be,  he  acted  in  such 
a  dignified,  though  generous  manner,  that 
I  am  compelled  to  admire  his  manly  qual- 
ities." 

344 


OWL    TOWER 

'You    must    center    your    affections    on 
Arthur,  Lillian." 

"  I  suppose  I  do,  at  least  I  love  him  well 
enough;  but  I  feel  I  could  love  him  more  if  he 
were  not  so  considerate  towards  me.  If  he 
would  only  disappoint  me  sometimes.  I  am 
constantly  committing  outrageous  actions  to- 
wards him  to  antagonize  him,  but  he  never  re- 
taliates. I  kept  him  two  whole  days  without 
speaking  to  him,  for  no  other  reason  than  I 
wanted  him  to  become  angry  at  me,  but  he  was 
more  complacent  and  affectionate  towards  me 
than  ever." 

'  You  ought  to  be  ashamed,  Lillian." 

"  That  is  not  all,"  Lillian  continued;  "  I  pre- 
vailed upon  *  Blue  Eyes  '  to  flirt  with  him,  and 
after  a  two  hours'  siege  she  reported  his  heart 
to  be  bomb-proof." 

"Oh!  you  wicked  creature,"  Margaret  ex- 
claimed. "When  will  you  learn  to  be  less 
frivolous?  " 

"  I  am  going  to  begin  this  very  day,  dear, 
for  I  have  discovered  at  last  that  dignified 
women  are  liked  the  best,  because  they  are 
more  substantial,  and  that  is  partly  why  I  love 
you  so  much." 

345 


OWL    TOWER 

"  I  never  try  to  be  dignified." 
"  It  comes  natural  to  you,  Margaret." 
The  conversation  ceased,  and  as  the  two 
girls  lay  in  each  other's  arms,  the  strains  of  an 
anthem  arose  from  beneath  their  windows;  the 
village  choristers  had  assembled  on  the  lawn, 
as  was  their  custom  at  Christmas-tide,  and  sang 
in  the  stilly  night  sweet  songs  of  "  Hope,  and 
love,  and  peace,  Hallelujah." 

"  How  delightful!  "  exclaimed  Lillian;  "  it  is 
no  wonder  you  are  so  good,  Margaret,  brought 
up  amidst  such  peaceful  surroundings.  My 
life  has  been  made  up  of  surprises  from  child- 
hood." 


346 


CHAPTER   XLV 

CHRISTMAS  morning  had  no  sooner  dawned 
than  the  inmates  of  the  castle  were  astir,  the 
wedding  having  been  arranged  to  take  place 
before  the  usual  breakfast  hour. 

Not  since  the  marriage  of  Sir  Joseph's  sister 
— some  twenty  years  before — had  there  been 
such  bustle  and  confusion  at  the  castle.  The 
call-bells  were  in  constant  requisition,  and  al- 
though the  regular  servants  were  reinforced 
by  those  of  Squire  Coleshill,  and  many  besides 
improvised  from  the  villagers  for  this  special 
occasion,  there  was  such  a  commotion  among 
the  younger  guests  that  they  went  from  room  to 
room  hindering  those  who  were  placid  enough 
to  help  themselves.  Many  of  them  were  so 
excited  they  appeared  on  the  lower  floor  ap- 
parently oblivious  to  the  fact  that  the  eyes  of 
man  ought  not  to  behold  them ;  and  it  was  only 
by  the  extreme  efforts  of  Lady  Trevisick  they 
were  finally  rescued  and  restored  to  conscious- 
ness. 

347 


OWL     TOWER 

Chocolate  was  served  in  the  dressing-rooms, 
and  the  cooks  were  busy  preparing  the  break- 
fast which  was  to  follow  the  wedding. 

Seats  had  been  arranged  on  the  summit  of 
the  Tower  for  the  accommodation  of  those  who 
were  to  participate  in  the  ceremony. 

At  last,  everybody  being  in  readiness,  the 
procession  formed  on  the  lawn,  and,  headed  by 
Sir  Joseph  and  Margaret,  took  the  path  lead- 
ing through  the  woodland  to  the  division  line 
of  the  two  estates.  Passing  through  a  breach 
in  the  hedge,  it  wound  its  way  around  the  brake 
to  the  tower  entrance,  and  after  much  effort  in 
lifting  dainty  skirts  to  avoid  the  steps,  suc- 
ceeded in  reaching  the  summit. 

Robert  Coleshill  was  in  waiting  together 
with  his  parents  and  sisters,  and  the  vicar  and 
parish  clerk  were  likewise  in  attendance,  while 
old  Ben  Judd  stood  in  the  background. 

The  ceremony  was  soon  performed,  and 
Squire  John  and  Lillipopo  signed  their  names 
to  the  register  as  witnesses. 

These  proceedings  were  no  sooner  concluded 
than  old  Ben  stepped  forward  in  front  of  the 
newly  married  couple,  and  addressing  Robert, 
said: 

348 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Sir  Robert,  Lady  Margaret  Coleshill  has 
graciously  selected  me  to  perform  the  happiest 
function  of  my  life." 

Sir  Joseph  bent  his  head  to  Squire  John  and 
whispered : 

"  Old  and  demented." 

Robert  gazed  upon  his  old  friend  in  wonder- 
ment and  then  at  Margaret,  whose  veiled  face, 
however,  did  not  help  him  out  of  his  surprise. 

Then  unwrapping  a  package  which  he 
carried,  old  Ben  produced  a  minute  iron  casket 
the  cover  of  which  had  the  letters  "  R.  C.  M. 
T."  intertwined  in  a  monogram  of  silver,  and 
presenting  it  to  Robert,  continued:  "This 
box — modeled  by  my  hand  in  honor  of  this 
occasion — contains  your  hereditary  title  of 
Knight  Baronet,  the  renewal  of  which  was  pro- 
cured by  her  beside  you,  at  a  time  when  a  title 
seemed  more  essential  to  your  happiness  than 
it  does  to-day.  It  has  remained  with  me  from 
the  day  you  were  fighting  for  that  title  which 
we  regard  the  most;  a  title  which  has  unequivo- 
cally brought  you  honor  and  fame,  and,  what  is 
better  than  all,  the  hand  of  one  whose  persistent 
love  has  been  potent  enough  to  heal  the  wounds 
of  centuries.  May  this  old  tower  abide  for  still 

349 


OWL    TOWER 

longer  centuries  and  cast  its  ancient  shadows 
athwart  the  sod,  to  mark  as  doth  a  dial  the  ever- 
fleeting  time,  and  bid  successive  generations 
revere  the  spot,  which,  after  lying  long  in 
superstition's  grasp,  succumbed  at  last  to  the 
voice  of  love  and  wisdom." 

Sir  Joseph  bent  his  head  to  Squire  John 
again  and  whispered,  "  He  is  old  and  wise." 

As  Robert  took  the  package  from  the  old 
blacksmith,  so  he  held  it  in  his  outstretched 
hand  and  gazed  upon  it.  There  was  the 
slightest  perception  of  a  tremor  of  affection 
in  his  voice  as  he  responded: 

"  My  good  old  friend,  your  words  indeed 
add  to  the  bliss  I  already  enjoy.  The  honor 
this  title  confers  may  swell  the  pride  of  ances- 
try in  others,  but  to  me  the  only  pride  it  gives 
is  born  of  the  love  that  prompted  it,"  and  he 
bent  over  and  kissed  his  bride,  none  the  less 
effectively  because  her  veil  lay  between. 

Old  Ben  bowed  himself  away,  and  as  he  de- 
parted down  the  steps  the  old  church  bells, 
at  a  signal  given  by  the  clerk  from  the  tower, 
rang  out  a  merry  peal. 

Hastening  to  the  forge,  old  Ben  seized  his 
hammer,  and  in  rhythmic  correlation  with  the 

350 


bells  beat  on  the  anvil  a  guerdon  to  his  heart, 
and  this  was  his  song : 

I  love  the  peal  of  old  church  bells, 
Each  one  to  me  its  story  tells — 
The  first  it  wakens  songs  of  mirth 
To  parents  at  the  time  of  birth. 
The  next  it  dwells  on  childhood's  hour, 
It  lisps  of  sunshine,  bird,  and  flower. 
The  third  of  boyhood's  day  is  given, 
Its  song  is  nearest  unto  heaven. 
The  fourth  of  golden  youth  lays  claim, 
It  swells  the  triumph  of  his  fame. 
The  fifth  one  speaks  of  shady  bowers, 
A  lady  beguiles  the  fleeting  hours. 
The  sixth  of  queenly  graces  won, 
Man's  best  estate  in  life  begun. 
The  seventh  of  life's  reality, 
It  quaketh  not  at  destiny. 
The  last  of  cherished  happiness, 
To  be  exchanged  for  heavenly  bliss. 

Having  delivered  himself  of  this  piece  of 
poetical  oratory,  old  Ben  flung  down  his  ham- 
mer and  was  drawing  the  bolt  of  the  door  on 
leaving  the  smithy,  when  he  was  accosted  by  a 
serving-man  from  the  castle. 

"  Miss  Margaret,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Coleshill, 
351 


OWL     TOWER 

sends  word  for  you  to  come  to  the  wedding 
breakfast;  and  I  am  instructed  not  to  take 
'  No  '  for  an  answer." 

"  In  that  case  I  may  as  well  go  peaceably," 
answered  Ben,  "  for  I  wouldn't  quarrel  with 
any  body  on  Christmas-day." 

And  so  it  transpired  that  the  village  black- 
smith, who  had  never  entered  the  castle  on  any 
pretext  whatever  before,  was  a  guest  at  Mar- 
garet's wedding  breakfast. 


352 


CHAPTER   XLVI 

THE  marriage  of  Margaret  Trevisick  with 
Robert  Coleshill  was  so  propitious  that  it  had 
the  effect  of  thoroughly  cementing  the  friend- 
ship of  both  houses. 

Sir  Joseph  and  Squire  John,  now  a  relation- 
ship had  been  established  between  them,  were 
more  frequently  than  ever  in  each  other's  com- 
pany, particularly  in  connection  with  outdoor 
sports.  They  could  be  seen  almost  daily  arm- 
in-arm,  walking  about  some  remote  part  of  the 
estate,  where  they  had  strayed  in  the  eagerness 
of  their  discussion,  without  realizing  the  ex- 
tent of  their  peregrinations. 

On  one  of  their  shooting  excursions,  a  few 
days  after  the  wedding,  the  two  inseparables 
proposed  that  Cetewayo  accompany  them  as  a 
matter  of  courtesy  to  Lillian's  guest;  and  ac- 
cordingly Lillian  acted  as  interpreter  to  that 
end,  and  Cetewayo,  arrayed  in  a  second-hand 
suit,  eagerly  set  out  on  the  expedition,  unpro- 
vided, however,  with  any  means  of  participat- 

353 


OWL    TOWER 

ing  in  the  sport,  saving  as  an  onlooker,  it  being 
feared  his  savage  manner  of  hunting  might  not 
be  in  accordance  with  the  laws  and  customs  of 
the  Medes  and  Persians,  which — as  is  generally 
known — altereth  not. 

This  precaution,  however  unfriendly  it 
might  at  first  appear,  proved  in  the  end  a  wise 
one,  for  whenever  a  snide  of  pheasants  was 
flushed  by  the  dogs,  Cetewayo  immediately  ex- 
hibited signs  of  extreme  impatience  to  partic- 
ipate in  their  extermination;  and  when  at  last 
a  group  of  deer  bounded  across  their  path,  and 
a  magnificent  stag  stood  and  shook  its  antlers, 
bidding  them  defiance,  Cetewayo's  excitement 
knew  no  bounds.  He  first  tried  to  wrest  Sir 
Joseph's  gun  from  him,  and  failing  in  this 
attempt,  he  acted  in  a  pitiable  manner,  ex- 
claiming: "  Dum  lum,  Cetewayo  sick;"  and 
finally  seizing  a  dead  limb  which  lay  beside  him, 
he  poised  that  miserable  substitute  for  a  spear, 
and  despite  its  ungainliness,  succeeded  in 
launching  it  squarely  between  the  eyes  of  the 
stag,  resulting  in  its  standing  bewildered  for  a 
moment,  and  then  with  a  bleat  bounding  away 
into  the  depths  of  the  forest  after  its  com- 
panions. 


OWL    TOWER 

And  now  the  day's  sport  started  in  earnest. 
Cetewayo  had  been  invited  to  participate  in  the 
sport,  there  was  no  doubt  about  that,  for  Lil- 
lian had  told  him  so ;  and  he  at  once  proceeded 
to  do  so  after  his  own  custom,  regardless  of 
those  beside  him. 

As  soon  as  the  limb  struck  the  stag  Cete- 
wayo threw  up  his  hands  and  gave  a  piercing 
yell  which  made  the  blood  fairly  creep  up  the 
backs  of  the  two  civilized  gentlemen.  The 
yell  was  followed  by  a  bound  on  the  part  of 
Cetewayo,  and  he  fled  in  eager  pursuit  of  the 
quickly  vanishing  deer. 

For  a  moment  Sir  Joseph  and  Squire  John 
looked  at  each  other  in  perfect  amazement;  at 
last  the  latter  spoke  up,  saying: 

"  What  can  we  do,  Joseph?  " 

"  He  will  drive  the  herd  frantic,"  exclaimed 
Sir  Joseph. 

"  Let  us  after  him,"  said  Squire  John,  "  we 
may  not  catch  him  right  away,  but  I  feel  con- 
fident we  will  do  so  before  night-time,  for  I 
remember  an  old  adage  'that  the  creeping 
turtle  is  likely  at  any  time  to  overtake  the  sleep- 
ing hare.' ' 

"  I  feel  our  only  hope  will  be  to  catch  him 

355 


OWL    TOWER 

asleep,"  replied  Sir  Joseph.  "  Did  you  ever 
hear  mortal  man  give  such  a  diabolical  yell? 
My  hair,  even  where  it  is  bald,  felt  as  if  being 
drawn  from  the  roots." 

"  And  such  sprinting !  "  echoed  Squire  John. 
"  I  have  no  doubt  that  at  either  of  our  colleges 
Cetewayo  would  carry  off  the  highest  honors; 
his  yell  would  outdo  the  entire  team;  and  as 
for  leaping,  I  really  believe  he  would  jump  the 
rope  with  the  ball  under  his  arm." 

"  It  is  highly  dangerous  running  through 
this  underbrush  with  loaded  guns  in  our 
hands,"  said  Sir  Joseph;  "  suppose  we  extract 
the  cartridges? " 

The  guns  were  accordingly  unloaded,  and 
the  two  old  gentlemen  started  on  a  creditable 
run  which  they  kept  up  for  the  space  of  several 
minutes;  finally  their  feet  seemed  unaccount- 
ably to  be  given  to  slipping,  and  each  other's 
shoulders  came  rudely  in  contact;  at  last  with 
one  accord  and  without  any  preconcerted 
signal,  they  stopped,  puffed  exceedingly, 
mopped  their  perspiring  foreheads  with  their 
handkerchiefs,  and  gazed  sympathetically  in 
each  other's  eyes.  Finally  Sir  Joseph  sat  on  a 
fallen  hemlock  advantageously  lying  by,  and 

356 


OWL    TOWER 

exclaimed  in  monosyllables  between  his  spas- 
modic breathing : 

"  Cet-e-way-o  can — run — un-til — his — legs 
drop — off — if — he — choo-ses." 

"  I'll — see — that — mine — don't,"  exclaimed 
Squire  John,  and  following  Sir  Joseph's 
example,  he  sat  with  a  groan  beside  him. 

"  Lil-li-an — is — a — pa-cer — like-wise,"  inter- 
jected Sir  Joseph;  "she — could — catch — him 
_I'll_be— bound." 

A  rapid  pattering  of  the  dead  leaves,  as 
though  heavy  drops  of  rain  were  falling,  was 
heard  in  the  distance;  the  sounds  became  more 
and  more  distinct,  and  approached  the  spot 
where  they  sat,  and  at  last  a  herd  of  deer  broke 
upon  the  vista.  Helter,  skelter,  the  beautiful 
creatures  bounded  along,  their  large,  lustrous 
eyes  wide  open  with  affright,  their  nostrils  dis- 
tended, and  their  slender  feet  spurning  the 
ground  as  they  leaped  all  obstacles  before 
them. 

A  large  stag  which  followed  in  the  rear 
of  the  herd  stopped  frequently  and  gazed  be- 
yond as  at  an  imaginary  enemy,  and  pawed  the 
earth  and  lowered  and  tossed  its  antlers  wick- 
edly, bleating  and  licking  its  chops,  bidding 

357 


OWL    TOWER 

defiance  to  the  foe.  Sighting  the  enemy,  it 
again  bounded  after  its  companions,  and  Cete- 
wayo,  his  speed  undiminished,  came  into  view 
rushing  after  them. 

"Stop!  you  black  savage!"  yelled  Sir 
Joseph,  who  had  by  this  time  recovered  his 
breath. 

"Yah!  Yah!"  shouted  Squire  John,  and 
forgetful  of  their  recent  experience,  the  two 
old  gentlemen  renewed  their  pursuit  after 
Cetewayo. 

The  deer,  frightened  beyond  measure,  headed 
towards  the  castle,  and  were  witnessed  skim- 
ming across  the  lawn  by  a  group  of  the  guests, 
including  Lillipopo,  who  looked  with  mingled 
pleasure  and  astonishment  at  the  novel  and 
beautiful  sight;  but  when  Cetewayo  appeared 
in  full  chase,  she  divined  its  significance,  and 
giving  a  short  exclamation  of  horror,  raised  her 
gown  slightly  with  one  hand  and  sped  after 
him. 

Sir  Joseph  was  right  in  his  conclusions  con- 
cerning Lillian.  No  fawn  surprised  in  its 
lair  at  scent  of  hound  more  nimbly  found  its 
feet  and  sped  the  wold;  no  kestrel  flew  more 
rapidly  towards  its  quarry  than  Lillian  did 

358 


OWL    TOWER 

to  arrest  the  steps  of  Cetewayo.  She  skimmed 
the  lawn  like  airy  nothingness,  and  men  won- 
dered at  the  sight  and  women  envied  her. 
''How  beautiful,"  remarked  the  men  in 
chorus. 

"  She  has  him! "  exclaimed  Lady  Trevisick 
from  a  balcony  where  she  was  an  interested 
spectator. 

A  few  seconds  had  sufficed.  The  herd  of 
deer  had  reentered  the  forest,  and  Cetewayo, 
incited  to  greater  speed,  was  close  in  pursuit, 
when  Lillian  seized  him  and  brought  him  to  a 
standstill. 

Lillian  explained  to  Cetewayo  that  the  ani- 
mals were  semi-domesticated.  Cetewayo  shook 
his  head  mournfully,  exclaiming:  "  Dum 
lum,  Cetewayo  sick,"  and  he  walked  beside  Lil- 
lian with  bowed  head  until  he  reached  the 
castle,  where  he  stood  looking  wistfully  to- 
wards the  spot  where  the  deer  had  disap- 
peared. 

Some  minutes  afterwards  Sir  Joseph  and 
Squire  John  appeared  on  the  scene,  their  coun- 
tenances betraying  the  result  of  their  second 
run,  and  Lady  Trevisick  laughingly  remarked, 
so  the  guests  could  hear:  "  I  take  it,  Sir 

359 


OWL    TOWER 

Joseph,  you  have  been  hunting  the  lithesome 
Zulu? " 

"  By  the  goddess  Diana!  "  exclaimed  Sir 
Joseph,  "  it  is  the  greatest  day's  sport  we  ever 
had,  yet  we  didn't  get  a  shot." 


860 


CHAPTER   XL VII 

AFTER  his  experience  in  chasing  the  deer  Cete- 
wayo  wandered  aimlessly  about  the  grounds, 
or  remained  for  hours  at  a  time  deep  in 
thought. 

To  guard  against  a  repetition  of  the  occur- 
rence, the  gamekeepers  of  both  estates  were 
instructed  to  be  on  the  lookout,  and  a  watch 
was  secretly  kept  upon  Cetewayo's  actions  at 
the  castle. 

Lillian  discovered  that  her  royal  guest  was 
growing  impatient  under  his  unaccustomed 
restraint,  and  appealed  to  Lady  Trevisick  to 
help  her  solve  the  problem. 

It  was  finally  decided  the  only  feasible  plan 
was  to  fix  upon  Lillian's  marriage,  and  thus 
enable  Cetewayo  to  return  to  his  own  country, 
where  his  unconquerable  spirit  would  be  free 
from  the  trammels  of  civilization. 

Accordingly,  on  the  following  Sunday  the 
vicar  announced  the  banns  of  matrimony  of 
Arthur  Tredinham  of  Lostwithiel  and  Lilli- 

361 


OWL    TOWER 

popo  Isandlana,  ward  of  King  Cetewayo  of 
Zululand. 

The  wedding  took  place  at  the  village 
church,  Cetewayo  being  present  and  signing 
his  name  in  conjunction  with  Robert  Coleshill 
and  his  wife  as  witnesses.  When  Arthur 
Tredinham  led  Lillian  from  the  altar,  Cete- 
wayo shook  his  head,  and  looked  at  Robert  as 
though  the  ways  of  civilization  were  past  his 
understanding. 

As  Lillian  intended  living  at  the  home  of 
her  husband,  another  and  greater  difficulty 
presented  itself  as  to  the  best  means  of  dis- 
patching Cetewayo ;  and  after  much  discussion 
it  was  ultimately  decided  by  Lillian  that  her 
husband  and  herself  would  accompany  him  to 
Plymouth  and  see  him  embarked  on  his  home- 
ward voyage;  for  this  purpose  she  took  the 
"  bill-of -lading  "  and  marked  above  it,  "  re- 
turn trip  to  Delagoa." 

On  the  day  of  departure  from  the  castle  no 
school  boy  evinced  such  delight  at  the  prospect 
of  the  holidays  as  Cetewayo  did  at  the  thought 
of  returning  to  his  people;  and  this  was  en- 
hanced by  the  belief  that  Lillian  and  her  hus- 
band intended  journeying  with  him. 

362 


OWL     TOWER 

Cetewayo  had  learned  the  English  manner 
of  greeting  during  his  visit,  and  his  face  bore 
a  solemnity  as  he  shook  hands  with  the  guests 
and  servants  alike,  saying  to  each  one:  "  Cete- 
wayo go  home  sick." 

They  were  driven  to  the  railway  station,  and 
a  gloom  spread  over  the  household  lasting 
many  days;  and  not  a  little  of  it  was  caused 
by  the  thought  that  one  returned  to  his  kraal 
to  be  forever  disappointed;  that  she  whom  he 
worshiped  and  loved,  though  with  the  heart 
of  a  savage,  would  not  be  seen  again  by  him  on 
earth. 


363 


CHAPTER   XLVIII 

IT  is  night-time  in  Zululand.  The  full  moon 
sails  in  a  sea  of  blue. 

A  solitary  figure  walks  slowly  along  the 
banks  of  the  White  Umvolos  River ;  his  step  is 
elastic  and  betokens  the  savage,  although  he 
wears  the  garb  of  civilization. 

At  times  he  stops  in  the  attitude  of  listen- 
ing, and  gazes  intently  across  the  strand  as 
though  some  moving  object  caught  his  vision; 
and  when  he  resumes  his  walk,  he  proceeds 
with  bowed  head  in  evidence  of  his  disappoint- 
ment. 

He  traces  and  retraces  his  footsteps  until 
the  moon  has  sailed  far  down  into  the  west, 
and  then  realizing  that  the  night  is  far  spent, 
he  betakes  himself  down  a  beaten  path  to  a 
projection  on  the  river  where  the  water  runs 
swiftly  and  is  free  from  obstruction;  and  tak- 
ing a  leaf  from  a  mutilated  book  he  carries,  he 
reduces  it  to  bits  and  throws  them  on  the  water. 
As  he  stoops  over  a  card  dangles  from  his  neck, 
and  seizing  it  in  his  hand,  he  exclaims: 

364 


OWL    TOWER 

"  Dum  lum,  Lillipopo  gone,  Cetewayo  sick. 
Lum  dum,  Lillipopo  come,  Cetewayo  well." 

He  watches  the  bits  of  paper  as  the  current 
bears  them  away,  and  heaves  a  sigh  as  he  re- 
traces his  steps  towards  the  kraal. 

Two  years  had  elapsed  since  the  events  re- 
lated in  the  last  chapter,  and  from  the  day  of 
his  arrival  in  Zululand  Cetewayo  had  rarely 
missed  a  night  in  keeping  his  vigil  by  the 
Umvolos. 

Upon  Cetewayo's  embarkation,  Lillian — in 
the  way  of  pacification — promised  him  she 
would  soon  visit  Zululand  with  her  husband, 
and  he  relied  implicitly  on  her  word.  The 
parting  had  not  been  effected  without  bitter 
compunction  on  the  part  of  Lillian,  but  her 
present  happy  life  had  eradicated  all  desire  for 
venturing  on  such  a  long  journey. 

Upon  arrival  in  Zululand,  Cetewayo  waited 
several  months  for  Lillian's  appearance;  and 
at  last,  growing  impatient,  he  returned  to 
Delagoa  and  went  on  board  the  Red  Sea 
steamer  intending  to  journey  back  to  Eng- 
land; but  the  captain  examined  his  "  bill-of- 
lading  "  and  shook  his  head.  This  was  incom- 
prehensible to  Cetewayo;  the  card  had  taken 

S65 


OWL    TOWER 

him  to  England  and  back  again,  why  was  it 
not  good  for  all  time? 

He  gazed  sadly  at  the  card,  and  returned  to 
Uhlundi;  but  his  faith  in  Lillian  never  for- 
sakes him,  and  he  hopes  and  longs  for  that  day 
when  the  "  White  Queen  "  will  come  tripping 
towards  him,  for  so  he  calls  her  in  his  heart,  and 
so  he  intended  her  to  be. 

The  poor  old  savage  king's  heart  is  sick  with 
hope  deferred,  and  it  is  better  so,  for  the  real- 
ization of  his  hopes  would  sooner  or  later  cause 
him  to  revert  to  his  savage  ways;  whereas  the 
anticipation  of  Lillipopo's  coming  softens  his 
heart  with  longing,  and  kindles — even  in  him 
— the  desire  to  appear  at  his  best. 

And  who  can  say,  after  all  his  disappoint- 
ment, that  Cetewayo's  hopes  may  not  some  day 
be  realized? 

As  absence  makes  the  heart  grow  fonder,  so 
may  it  grow  with  Cetewayo;  and  when  at  last 
the  boatman  pale  beckons  unto  him  to  take  his 
final  journey  on  the  White  Umvolos  River,  he 
will  travel  till  he  meets  her;  and  though  her 
robes  be  white  as  snow,  his  hands  will  not  be- 
spot  them;  and  when  he  bends  the  knee  to 
worship  her,  the  angels  will  not  chide  him. 

3G6 


OWL    TOWER 

Margaret  and  Robert  rejoice  in  a  young 
baronet  whose  name  is  Benjamin,  who  has  been 
the  means  of  creating  a  new  cause  of  super- 
stition among  the  villagers.  They  insist  that 
Bing!  bang!  bing!  tink-a-link-a-link !  pro- 
ceeds from  the  smithy  at  uncanny  hours  of  the 
night,  and  that  at  times  singing  accompanies  it. 

Old  Ben  Judd  has  been  appealed  to  to 
elucidate  the  mystery,  but  he  only  adds  thereto 
by  stating  that  his  hammer  has  been  so  ac- 
customed to  his  voice,  and  his  voice  to  his  ham- 
mer, that  they  are  inseparable.  "  If  that  ham- 
mer," said  he,  "  forgets  itself,  who  is  to  blame 
but  the  hammer?  "  But  Margaret  and  Robert 
know,  and  many  is  the  laugh  they  enjoy,  and 
many  an  additional  kiss  the  young  baronet 
gets  in  consequence  of  "  the  music  on  the 
anvil." 

"  Owl  Tower,"  for  centuries  the  bane  of  the 
village,  has  become  the  "  holy  of  holies,"  al- 
though the  little  tailor  still  whispers  "Mur- 
der! "  and  draws  his  head  beneath  his  coat  col- 
lar whenever  it  is  mentioned  suddenly  in  his 
hearing. 

Sir  Joseph  and  Squire  John  often  walk  in 
its  vicinity  of  a  summer's  evening,  for  they 

367 


OWL    TOWER 

have  learned  to  revere  the  spot  which  brought 
so  much  happiness  into  their  homes  and  lives. 

The  rightful  owners  of  the  tower,  by  reason 
of  their  uninterrupted  possession  for  so  many 
centuries,  still  hold  the  fort  behind  the  ivy  bow- 
ers ;  and  when  the  sun  has  sunk  low  in  the  west 
they  waken  to  the  gloom  of  night  and  chant 
monkish  wisdom  to  the  sleeping  world.  The 
saw-whet  first,  with  ears  erect  and  rasping 
voice,  essays  the  reading  of  the  psalms;  and 
then  its  wiser  cousin,  with  blinking  eyes,  selects 
his  text  and  dolefully  chants: 

"  Tu— whit!  tu— hoo!  tu— hoo!  " 


THE  END 


368 


=  THE  = 

Baronet  Rag-Picker 

A   ROMANCE    OF    LOPE    AND    ADVENTURE 
By   CHARLES   S.   COOM 


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THE    PLUGONIANS 
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Being  a  Tale  of  Hens  and  some  other    People 

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